Today, with the Internet being exploited for corrupt and criminal purposes, the original principles of the Internet i.e. volunteerism, co-operation and collaboration have been distorted. To educate Singaporeans on using the Internet safely and positively, the National Internet Advisory Committee (NIAC) set up the Cyber Wellness Task Force (CWTF) to develop a cyber wellness vision that promotes a culture of safe and inspiring use of the Internet. The Task Force’s deliberations are detailed in the Cyber Wellness Report (Dec 02 – Jun 04), and the four key values underpinning the cyber wellness vision are:

1. Embracing the Net & Inspiring Others

   Youths need to adopt an attitude of using the Internet to make a positive difference to others through their online activities.

   For example

   • Forming support groups to help one another break away from harmful habits such as substance abuse, gaming and porn addictions etc.

   • Using the Internet to rally support for worthy causes and campaigns, such as looking for a missing loved one or finding an elusive medical cure.

2. Astuteness

   Astuteness means developing in youths a sense of being "street smart" when using the Internet. This involves:

   • Developing an awareness of the dangers in cyberspace and recognising the different forms of these dangers, e.g. chat rooms that may be a gathering place for predators preying on young victims.

   • Identifying and protecting youths from harmful and illegal online behaviour, e.g. educating youths to:
     • Not give out personal information online to strangers in a chat room
     • Not easily trust and meet up with people whom they meet online without supervision from an adult
     • Always check the authenticity of any information received on the Internet

3. Respect & Responsibility

   When participating in online activities, users need to have a respect for:

   • The Medium – by not abusing the Internet for activities such as spamming, hacking and cracking

   • Self and for Others – by not:
     • Surfing pornographic images and websites that will lead to distorted views of relationships
     • Putting up or spreading false rumours or misleading information on the Internet
     • Infringing on other’s privacy and rights
     • Illegally downloading copyrighted music, games and software

     Users also need to have a sense of responsibility on the Internet.

   • For Self – always protect oneself from harmful activities and misinformation on the Internet by checking the accuracy and authenticity of information read on the Internet.

   • For the Community – always safeguard the interests of the community by reporting harmful and illegal activities on the Internet to the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or the Police.

4. Beyond the Internet - Balance

   Users need to understand that the Internet is only a tool that can enhance their lives and interactions in the physical world. Therefore, there is a need for a balance between cyberspace and the physical world. If such a balance is not achieved, it may lead to:

   • Internet addiction: Spending too much time online that family and friends are ignored and normal daily tasks are affected.

   • Addiction to role-playing online games
     • A feeling of anxiety and discomfort when disconnected from the virtual world.
     • Inability to limit gaming activity and to distinguish between the real world and fantasy world.

     The Internet should be used in moderation and not in isolation from the physical world so as to reap the greatest benefits from the medium.