How to Efficiently Practice Digital Citizenship
In the world of technology, online users are referred to as digital citizens which refer to an individual who has the capability to effectively use digital technology to communicate with people, engage in activities of the society through online platforms, and create or consume digital contents. However, being a digital citizen also means having digital citizenship. Digital Citizenship is defined as the agreement and maintenance of the norms of appropriate and responsible behavior of the users with regard to the use of digital technologies. In this concept, it involves the utilization of digital technology in an effective manner as well as not misusing it to disadvantage others. It mainly includes appropriate online etiquette, literacy in how digital technologies work and how to properly use them, an understanding of ethics and related laws, knowing how to stay safe online, and advises related to privacy issues.
With regard to privacy concerns in the digital world, this had been one of the major issues in the online community as consumer online privacy rights continue to be in the spotlight. Online platforms such as Facebook and Google, which has millions of users every day, were once or twice reported to had been caught in some privacy blunders in which it had caused some privacy advocacy organizations to press for legislation against them. But setting that certain issue aside, the privacy issue in the digital world had been a constant worry of digital citizens and they would like to be given a better resolution regarding it.
However, it is not just the creators of such online platforms that should apprehend with the laws of digital citizenship as its users should also abide and perform the regulations as well. Being a responsible digital citizen means using technology appropriately and operating online safely and knowledgeably because being able to understand the concept of responsible digital citizenship will help the user be respected, educated, and protected in the online community.
Following the guidelines below will help the digital citizen be more efficient when engaging with the online community:
Behaving with etiquette while online
- This can be performed by following the proper standards of conduct and procedure online. Properly represent appropriate behaviors whenever online as well as be willing to educate others about the correct digital etiquette, may it be online or in real-life. Most importantly, do not take part in cyber-bullying or any kind of harassment online.
Be aware when exchanging information online
- Digital communication is one of the main forms of communication nowadays and that is why all users should be aware of what they post online as well as what they share with other people online. Users should carefully exchange personal information online and should not just carelessly give out such personal information to people they do not know.
Abide the laws of the online community
- The same with the physical world, digital world also has its own legal rights and restrictions that its users should abide whenever they are using electronic technologies. Digital citizens should be knowledgeable that they are legally accountable for their online behaviors. With this being said, they must educate themselves about the fair use policies of every online platform they take part in as to ensure that they are not or will not be violating any regulations of the online community.
Know your own and others’ rights and responsibilities
- Digital rights and responsibilities were made to help ensure that everyone enjoys the benefits of the digital world as well as to help shape their freedom in it, but users should also note that every rights come with responsibilities. Every user should be aware of his/her own rights and responsibilities in the platform he/she is partaking in to and that they must behave accordingly. Being knowledgeable of this fact will allow the user to know how to respect other people online and will be able to help define the proper use of new technologies as society progresses.
As people increasingly conduct their lives online – shopping, socializing, and sharing information – their digital rights, particularly the rights to privacy and freedom of expression, are becoming more important. Digital citizens need to understand how the principles of digital citizenship will help them be more efficient and responsible in the online platform.
Alfrd Pat 