Digital self-determination and data protection - frequently asked questions and answers

Illustration on digital self-determination and data protection with fingerprint, lock and laptop
Visualization of digital self-determination and data protection

Digital self-determination and data protection are more important today than ever before. Whether you're surfing the net, using social media or protecting your personal data - informed people make better decisions. This FAQ offers you practical answers on VPN, smartphone security, emotional clarity, digital tools and social participation. It is particularly aimed at young people, families and anyone who wants to consciously shape their digital environment.

📘 Book & reading area

What is „Through stormy times - my journey to success“?

The book tells the true story of Alexander Glimm - about emigration, family challenges and the path from secondary school pupil to success. It is an encouraging book for young people in difficult life situations. The story shows how digital self-determination also begins with emotional clarity: If you know your story, you can rewrite it.
Lin zum Buch

How can I read the book for free?

For disadvantaged children and young people, we offer personalized access via social partners such as Stiftung Lesen, Teach First and ArbeiterKind.de. The content is available in modular form as a PDF, web app or audiobook - with reading level tracking and access code to prevent uncontrolled distribution.
Book access details

🔐 Data protection & digital security

What is a VPN and do I need one?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your data by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address. This is particularly important for public Wi-Fi, online banking or if you want to strengthen your digital privacy.
VPN simply explained - recommendations & security

What are tracking blockers and how do they help?

Tracking blockers are browser extensions that prevent third parties from tracking your online behavior. They block third-party cookies, analysis scripts and advertising networks. Tools such as uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger or NextDNS give you back control.
More about tracking blockers

How do I set up my smartphone in a privacy-friendly way?

Our step-by-step guide shows you how to control tracking, location sharing and app permissions. You will learn how to interpret cookie banners correctly and which settings really count.
To the instructions

💡 Emotional clarity & digital detox

What does digital self-determination mean?

Digital self-determination means that you decide which digital stimuli reach you - and how you deal with them. Our detox guides help you to recognize emotional triggers, avoid toxic content and consciously manage your attention.

How do I recognize emotional triggers on TikTok?

In her article, Lia explains how you can consciously manage your attention and recognize toxic content - with practical detox routines for digital self-determination.
Recognizing triggers with Lia - Article & Video

What is digital detox and how does it work?

Digital detox means consciously taking breaks from digital media. This can be an hourly retreat or a complete offline day. The aim is to gain emotional clarity, reduce stress and strengthen your self-awareness. Our detox guides offer you specific routines that you can implement immediately.

🧠 Tools & recommendations

Which tools help me to protect my data?

We recommend password managers, tracking blockers and privacy-friendly messengers. All tools are tested and explained in a practical way - ideal for more digital self-determination and data protection in everyday life.
Password manager, Tracking blocker, Messenger comparison

What is a privacy-friendly messenger?

Privacy-friendly messengers such as Signal, Threema or Element rely on end-to-end encryption, do not store data centrally and enable anonymized communication. They are particularly suitable for sensitive conversations and professional communication.

How do I recognize trustworthy apps?

Trustworthy apps have transparent privacy policies, only require the necessary permissions and offer you control over your data. Check ratings, origin and whether the app is open source. Tools such as Exodus Privacy help you with the analysis.

🤝 Outreach & social impact

How does MindOnDigital support disadvantaged young people?

We offer free access to books, coaching modules and digital self-help - in cooperation with social organizations. The aim is real participation and more digital self-determination for young people. The content is modular and can be used as a blog article, audiobook, TikTok clip or coaching add-on.

How does personalized book distribution work?

Instead of uncontrolled downloads, we rely on access codes that are issued individually - e.g. via schools, social institutions or direct requests. This ensures that distribution remains fair, traceable and compliant with data protection regulations.

Can I share or embed content?

Yes - but please include a reference to the source and observe the license information. This ensures the integrity of the content and respects data protection.

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