Digital Citizenship

As consumers and producers in a media-centric environment, it is essential that we understand what it means to be a citizen of the online world. This requires us to be aware of those norms and appropriate behavior when using the internet- which can be sectioned into digital citizenship. As defined by Digital Citizenship: Using Technology Appropriately, “Digital citizenship is the continuously developing norms of appropriate, responsible, and empowered technology use.” Put more simply, digital citizenship is using technology in a way that is appropriate and conscious. It is being a good citizen online.

Digital citizenship should not be confused with digital literacy, however, the two can often go hand in hand. Digital literacy is being fluent in the ways in which digital technology works- anything from knowing hyperlinks to understanding filter bubbles. This goes hand in hand with digital citizenship, especially when it comes to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, but not everyone knows that.

Digital citizenship is something every person should be aware of and taught, especially in our ever-changing digital environment. Not only does digital citizenship ensure safety and protection, but when taught, it also ensures users are respectful and appropriate. When discussing the integration of digital media into in-school learning, a study found this practice invites, “valuable opportunities for both educators to help students develop valuable digital citizenship skills and bridge in-school learning with the students’ out-of-school interests, values, and commitments,” (Gleason & von Gillern, 2018).

Digital citizenship is essential to know and understand in today’s digitalized environment. By bridging the in-school curriculum with digital media, students will have a higher level of understanding of what is appropriate and meaningful in an online space. Now is the time to start engaging in this practice, so future generations can be ‘great citizens’ of digital environments.