Technology has advanced so much, and for the most part, it has made our lives easier, faster, and richer. With more and more people having access to the internet; the whole world is reachable, knowledge has increased, and the information for whatever you want is available to you – right in your hands.
Digital media and digital infrastructures keep playing an important role in promoting social interaction and responsible citizenship. The Internet has been a vital space for interaction, mentoring, and informal learning. Digital technology has revolutionized how we live, work, learn and interact with others. This applies especially to teenagers and young people all over the world. Today’s students have grown up with digital technologies. They cannot remember life without them. Because of this, parents and educators often feel that young people are fully competent in this area. Often, this is not the case.
Even when young people are comfortable and skilled with technology, the ways they use it may not be appropriate. They may use technology in unethical ways, like finding ways to cheat on an assignment. They may use it in socially detrimental ways, like bullying others on social media. However, young people must know that all citizens in a society are meant to behave in certain acceptable ways. Therefore, there are expectations for everyone who participates, learns, and works in the digital landscape, also. These expectations form the basis of what it means to be a “digital citizen”.
Digital citizenship is the appropriate and responsible use of the internet, computers, and digital devices. Teaching digital citizenship is more than just having people follow rules, policies, and procedures. Teaching digital citizenship helps to ensure that young people think critically, behave safely, participate responsibly, and maintain their health and wellness in the digital world.
Digital citizenship, thus, refers to the ability to participate in online society. It promotes equality and equal participation in all areas of life regardless of race, gender, and ethnicity. Technology has affected the way we think, communicate with each other, and participate in society. Nations around the world are moving toward digital citizenship. Digital citizenship involves acquiring skills to navigate and exist in the increasingly complex, digitally mediated world.
