Generation Z are the online generation. The group, currently aged between 10 and their mid-20s, are the first to grow up fully online. And there are both positive and negative results from the much greater amount of time Gen Z youth spend online. They are more likely to be sleep-deprived and depressed, but they have a lower rate of teen pregnancy and alcohol consumption. As a digital-native generation, they are both regularly absorbed by internet trends, but at the same time much more aware of the need for online security and safety.
If you are a student at the moment, then you are almost certainly a member of Gen Z. You also almost certainly know of and probably use VPNs in your leisure time. But have you thought about using VPNs while studying online?
Since they came onto the scene, VPNs have revolutionised the ways in which people stay safe online. Indeed, Statista found that more than two-fifths of Americans and Brits use VPNs at least once a week in 2020.
As far as we’re concerned, it still isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve written this guide on how VPNs can keep you safe while studying online. You’ll be ready to start searching for a free VPN for Chrome in no time.
What is a VPN?
Simply put, a virtual private network (VPN) is a type of encryption tool.
VPNs improve your security and privacy while using the internet. The best VPN services do this by hiding your internet traffic with layers of encryption, before rerouting it through a VPN server.
Because of this process, no one can see what you’ve been doing online or track down your location.
Why use a VPN while studying?
When you’re a student, there are many situations that call for you to use a VPN.
Unless you’re doing all of your studying at home, you’ll likely be using shared or public networks. It might be your educational establishment’s network or a free one, between classes.
As a result, your privacy will be at risk. Using a VPN can help you in the following ways:
- Better security – Safeguard your personal information, regardless of your institution’s safety.
- Greater privacy – Get access to any resource that you need online, regardless of restrictions.
- Safer connections – Hide your online traffic or sensitive data, no matter where you are.
Common myths about using a VPN while studying
Many people mistakenly think that it’s illegal to use VPNs. This isn’t the case in general, let alone in schools. As long as you’re not doing anything illegal online, it’s perfectly fine for you to use a VPN.
Having said that, your place of learning might have its own policies about VPN use. It’s best that you check with your institution to see what their rules are. This is true especially because they’ll be able to tell that you’re using encryption. Fortunately, many places of education see the value of students using VPNs.
VPNs aren’t gimmicks or nice-to-haves. They’re a necessity for anyone who wants to stay safe and secure while browsing the internet. Start using one today to take your privacy back into your own hands.