#1Every time I access the Internet with a computer or mobile device, I am leaving a digital trail. Each device will have a unique IP address, which can be hidden via the use of a VPN. Even if I were to disguise my IP using a VPN, there may still be a browser history trail indicating all the websites I had visited. There are some ways of erasing the history, as well as erasing browser cookies. While these types of digital trails can speed up our web browsing and allow us to receive more relevant ads, they do present potentially serious security and/or privacy risks.

I do not know anyone who was a victim of identity theft, but I have heard stories about this happening. However, I regularly notice that there are potential privacy concerns online. The most notable is when I am logged into my Google account on my phone and my computer. If I do a Google search for anything, I will receive targeted ads related to that product or service throughout my social media including Twitter. When I search for my name on Google, I find links to the blogs I have had over the years and to my social media sites. I also receive hits for people with similar names as mine.

Now that I have explored my own digital trail, there are three steps I can take to protect my privacy, safety, and security on the web. One is to use a VPN, especially if I am using a public WiFi network. Another way I can protect myself is by deleting my browsing history and cookies periodically. Finally, I can change my passwords regularly for maximum protection of my personal and financial data online.

#2

1. Formal language tends to follow the rules or grammar more strictly, and avoids slang or emojis. We use formal language in most business situations, and when communicating with people in positions of power. Informal language is used with our friends and family, and does not need to follow grammatical rules. We can also use slang in informal communications, as well as online or txt abbreviations.

2. (A) In the following example, I used informal communication to write my friend. It is appropriate to use informal language, abbreviations, and slang because this is the way we would talk to each other in person. Hey...

The application included five different essays, and Ms. Dee helped by giving me feedback to improve my writing. It was appropriate to use formal communication in this case because I am speaking with someone who is a mentor/academic advisor and not a friend. Hi Ms. Dee, Thank you so much for your quick response. I enjoyed reading your comments and appreciate your feedback on my essay. Please let me know if there is anything else you need to facilitate the processing of my application for the scholarship.
Scenario 1

A. (3 errors in Michael’s Response)

1. Michael uses all caps unnecessarily, which is inappropriate in formal communications. Instead of using all caps for emphasis, Michael should let his words speak for themselves.

2. Michael uses txt abbreviations like LOL. This is totally inappropriate in formal communications. Likewise, he writes “and such” in the second sentence, which is lazy.

3. Michael’s post has several grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. In the first sentence he forgot the closing quotation marks on “unintelligent.” In the last sentence he uses “there” instead of “their,” the possessive pronoun. One of his sentences makes absolutely no sense: “simple my grades will show to all the nay Sayers, that call me stupid, and airy, and other things.” Michael needs to be patient. Even if he needs to write his first draft informally, he can then edit the draft to make it more appropriate for the situation.

Scenario 2

A. (3 errors in Thomas’s Response)

1. All caps are inappropriate in formal communications, and in many informal communications too. All he needs to say is, “I made a mistake.” All caps is unnecessary.

2. Thomas does not capitalize the “I” and writes “u” instead…