Most kids are very much aware that the Internet isn't, by and large, a private space. In fact, most teens have been hearing that message since elementary school. But despite being educated about these issues, many teens continue to engage in digital behaviors that imply that they really don't understand how public and permanent the Internet really is. Why is that? Psychologist Elizabeth Englander identifies four perceptual shifts that occur when using digital communications tools that might cause people to act differently than they would during in-person interactions. When communicating online, users tend to focus inward, sometimes forgetting that an actual human being is on the other end of their messages. Sharing negative feelings online can cause those feelings to escalate, especially when those sharing them receive frequent messages that commiserate. The fact that many people are alone when communicate online may give them a false sense of privacy, even when they know their messages are public. The small screens of mobile devices may contribute to that effect. Mobile devices make it far easier to impulsively share inappropriate photos and comments. Englander suggests that teaching students about these perceptual pitfalls can help head off problematic social behaviors.