The internet is an incredible tool that can help you stay informed, connected, and independent. Whether you’re reading the news, video chatting with family, shopping online, or exploring new hobbies, the digital world opens up countless possibilities. But it’s normal to feel unsure or overwhelmed if you didn’t grow up using this technology.
The good news? You can learn to navigate the internet confidently—with simple steps, smart habits, and a little practice. This guide will help you feel more comfortable and secure every time you go online.
Why Learning Internet Skills Matters
Using the internet confidently can help you:
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Access reliable information quickly
- Manage finances and appointments
- Shop safely from home
- Find entertainment, learning, and hobbies
- Maintain independence
- Recognize scams and misinformation
Confidence grows with familiarity—and you don’t need to be an expert to use the internet well.
Start With Safe, Trusted Websites
Knowing how to identify trustworthy websites helps you browse with confidence.
Trusted types of websites may include:
- Established news organizations (BBC, NPR, AP News)
- Government sites (IRS.gov, SSA.gov, Medicare.gov)
- Well-known retailers
- Educational organizations
- Established healthcare organizations and patient portals
Tip:
A “.gov” address can help you identify an official U.S. government website. Educational institutions commonly use “.edu” addresses. However, a website’s address alone doesn’t guarantee that every piece of information on it is right for your situation.
When looking for important health, financial, or government information, consider going directly to the organization’s official website instead of relying solely on links in emails, text messages, advertisements, or social media posts.
Use a Secure Password System
Strong passwords help protect your privacy and online accounts.
Create stronger passwords by:
- Using long passwords or passphrases
- Avoiding easily guessed personal information, such as birthdays or family names
- Using a different password for each important account
- Enabling two-factor authentication when available
Password helpers:
- A notebook stored in a private, secure location
- A reputable password manager if you prefer digital storage
Never give your password or one-time verification code to someone who unexpectedly contacts you, even if that person claims to represent a familiar company or organization.
Learn the Basics of Internet Browsing
A few simple skills can help you move around websites more comfortably.
Practice:
- Clicking links
- Using the back and forward buttons
- Typing website addresses in the address bar
- Opening and closing browser tabs
- Scrolling
- Bookmarking favorite sites
- Adjusting text size for easier reading
You don’t have to learn everything at once.
For example, try spending 10 minutes a day practicing one skill. On Monday, practice opening and closing tabs. On Tuesday, practice bookmarking a favorite website. By the end of a week, several basic browser tasks may already feel much more familiar.
Use Search Engines to Find Information
Search engines like Google or Bing can help you find information online quickly.
Try searching for:
- Recipes
- Medical information from established health organizations
- Travel ideas
- Local events
- Technology tips
- Videos showing how to complete everyday tasks
You can usually type questions in everyday language rather than worrying about finding the perfect search terms.
Keep in mind that appearing near the top of search results does not automatically make a website trustworthy. Some results may also be advertisements.
For important topics—particularly medical, financial, legal, or government information—check who published the information and consider confirming it with an official or authoritative source.
Be Cautious With Links and Pop-Ups
Safety becomes easier when you know what warning signs to watch for.
Be cautious about clicking:
- Unexpected pop-ups
- Suspicious advertisements
- “Too good to be true” offers
- Links in unfamiliar emails or text messages
- Fake warnings claiming your device is “infected”
- Messages demanding immediate action
When in doubt, close the message or window and navigate to the organization’s official website yourself.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides information about current scams, fraud prevention, and warning signs that can help older adults recognize suspicious situations online.
Email Safely and Confidently
Email is a useful communication tool—but it’s also commonly used for phishing and other scams.
Safe email habits:
- Be cautious with unexpected messages, even if the sender appears familiar
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments
- Don’t send passwords or other sensitive account information by ordinary email
- Check the sender’s actual email address when something seems unusual
- Watch for unexpected requests, unusual wording, or pressure to act immediately
Don’t rely on spelling and grammar alone. Modern scam messages can look polished and professional.
If an email claims to be from your bank, Medicare, Social Security, or another important organization and asks you to take action, consider going directly to the organization’s official website or contacting it through a phone number you already trust.
Practice Online Shopping Safely
Online shopping is convenient when you use good security habits.
Shop safely by:
- Buying from retailers you know and trust
- Checking the website address carefully
- Looking for https and the browser’s security indicator when entering payment information
- Using a payment method with appropriate fraud protections
- Saving receipts or confirmation emails
- Being cautious of sellers demanding gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods
Remember that https does not prove that a seller is trustworthy. It means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted. Scam websites can use https, too.
If something feels suspicious, don’t complete the purchase. Instead, search for the retailer independently or ask someone you trust to take a second look.
Explore Video Calls and Messaging
Staying connected online becomes easier once you learn a few basics.
Popular options include:
- Zoom
- FaceTime
- Google Meet
- Facebook Messenger
These services can help you see loved ones face-to-face, participate in groups, or send quick messages.
As with email, be cautious about unexpected messages from unfamiliar accounts and unusual requests that appear to come from people you know.
Take Advantage of Online Learning
The internet offers many opportunities to learn at your own pace.
Options include:
- YouTube how-to videos
- Online courses
- Library digital programs
- Virtual workshops
- Senior center technology programs
- Online technology classes for older adults
AARP’s technology resources also provide guides and information about smartphones, computers, online safety, accessibility, and other everyday technology topics.
Learning one small skill at a time can make using technology feel much more manageable.
Adjust Your Device for Better Comfort
You can make your phone, tablet, or computer easier and more comfortable to use.
Try:
- Increasing text size
- Using dark mode or another display setting you find comfortable
- Adjusting screen brightness
- Turning on closed captions
- Using voice-to-text
- Increasing browser zoom
- Adding accessibility shortcuts
Most modern devices include accessibility settings designed to make text, sound, navigation, and controls easier to use.
A comfortable device can make exploring the internet much more enjoyable.
Know When to Ask for Help
Everyone needs help with technology sometimes.
Consider asking:
- A trusted family member
- A friend
- A library technology volunteer
- A senior center instructor
- The official support service for your device or software
Be cautious about allowing strangers who unexpectedly call or message you to remotely access your computer. Tech-support scams often begin by claiming that something is wrong with your device.
If you need technical help, contact the company or support provider yourself through a trusted website or phone number.
Trust Your Instincts
If something makes you uncomfortable or confused, don’t feel pressured to continue.
A good rule:
When in doubt, close it out.
You can always reopen a website intentionally after you’ve had time to check whether it’s legitimate.
Be especially cautious when a website, email, text, or caller creates a sense of urgency. Taking a few minutes to verify something before entering information, sending money, or clicking a link is almost always worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Learning to navigate the internet confidently is a skill that grows little by little. With safe habits, a willingness to ask questions, and some curiosity, you can use the internet to stay connected, informed, and independent.
You don’t need to be a technology expert. Start with familiar websites, learn one skill at a time, and be cautious whenever something online asks for money or personal information.
Even 10 minutes of practice a day can help unfamiliar tasks become routine over time. The goal isn’t to know everything about technology—it’s to know enough to use the internet comfortably, recognize common warning signs, and know where to turn when you need help.
