It’s no secret that technology is an integral part of our society that touches nearly every area of our lives. With 284 million people online in the US alone, and 640,000 daily new users worldwide, the internet’s legacy has only begun. 40% of students across the country use devices in the classroom via 1:1 initiatives, and another 30% share devices with five or fewer classmates.1 With this increased use in technology, it’s important to understand how to use it responsibly.
We’ve all seen the power of technology abused, whether it be cyberbullying or improperly disposing of a mobile device. And perhaps you’ve even heard of digital citizenship. But what is digital citizenship exactly and what role do you play as a digital citizen?
What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital Citizenship largely refers to the responsible practice of using technology, not only for the individual user, but for all users. It can be defined in a couple different ways. Digital citizenship is:
- the continuously developing norms of appropriate, responsible, and empowered technology use2
- responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level3
Principles of Digital Citizenship
Since we’ve answered what digital citizenship is, let’s review the nine principles of digital citizenship.
Digital Access is the equitable distribution of technology and not only understanding who has access to technology, but the limitations and consequences to those who have limited access to technology.
Digital Commerce is the buying and selling of goods. This principle focuses on making safe and informed decisions when purchasing or downloading materials online.
Digital Communication is understanding the different modes and mediums of digital technology and when to appropriately use them. For example, understanding when sending an email is appropriate versus sending a text message.
Digital Etiquette is understanding appropriate code of conduct and procedures when using mobile devices. It extends beyond recognizing bad behavior in that it actively encourages appropriate and responsible behavior online.
Digital Literary or Fluency is the process of understanding technology, how to use it in its many forms, and how to adapt when new technologies are introduced. It also extends to internet usage and how to effectively search and evaluate information online.
Digital Health & Welfare is maintaining sound technological practices to promote physical and psychological wellness. Practicing eye safety and ergonomics, and balancing screen time and technology usage are all related to this important principle.
Digital Law is understanding and complying with online rules and policies, and how to use technology ethically. Digital law is broad and covers topics from spam to cyberbullying.
Digital Rights & Responsibility are the freedoms that extend to everyone online. Examples of this include right to privacy and free speech.
Digital Security & Privacy are electronic precautions to bolster online safety. Secure passwords, not sharing passwords, backing up data, and antivirus protection are all examples of this principle.
The Importance of Digital Citizenship Now
Understanding the importance of digital citizenship lies in understanding that most of us are digital citizens. The definition of digital citizen is “a person who develops the skills and knowledge to effectively use the internet and other digital technology, especially in order to participate responsibly in social and civic activities.”
Additionally, digital citizenship is being taught en masse across the US. This begins to show us how important this subject is not only for students, but for every digital citizen.
With approximately 81% of Americans online daily and only 10% of Americans reporting that they never go online, most of us are digital citizens. Couple this data with increased use of technology in the classroom and we can see how important digital citizenship. We all play a vital role in promoting the nine principles of digital citizenship for the welfare of not only ourselves, but all digital citizens.
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Footnotes
1 https://thejournal.com/articles/2019/05/08/how-teachers-use-technology-in-the-classroom.aspx
2 https://www.digitalcitizenship.net/nine-elements.html
3 https://www.aeseducation.com/blog/what-is-digital-citizenship
