ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Internet fear

Well, little one, have you ever been scared of something you've never seen or experienced before? That's kind of what internet fear is. People often get scared of things they read or see on the internet.

The internet is kind of like a big library, where you can find information on just about anything. But just like in any library, there are some scary books there too. But unlike in a library, there are some people who like to make up scary stories and lie on the internet just to scare others.

For example, you might hear about things like cyberbullying, which is when people are mean to others online. That can be very scary and hurtful. Or you might hear about viruses, which are like little bugs that can hurt your computer. It can be really scary to think about losing all your important pictures, videos, or games on your computer.

But don't worry too much, there are ways to protect yourself from internet fear. Just like how you shouldn't talk to strangers in real life, you also shouldn't talk to strangers online. Be careful with what you click on and who you talk to on the internet. You can also ask your parents or guardians to help protect you by setting up some protections on your computer, like antivirus software or parental controls.

Remember, the internet can be a great tool for learning new things and talking to your friends, but just like in real life, you have to be careful and stay safe.