Technology

First, we need to understand the meaning of “digital citizenship”. Let’s begin with  the definition,  according to Wikipedia,  “ a digital citizen is a person using information technology (IT) in order to engage in society, politics, and government” (source: Wikipedia). This digital influencer needs to be sure he/she is learning to type, use a mouse, and other computer skills. Nowadays, the main point is avoiding harassment or any kind of aggressive behaviour while conversing with others online. By providing truthful information and details, digital citizenship needs to follow some rules as not to illegally download content and/or disrespect digital property.  This essay begins by defining digital citizenship and how digital citizens have power to influence other people. It then explores the rules all digital citizens need to follow because the Internet has rules. The idea of digital citizenship definition and the rules is not entirely new, but existing methods based on ‘Internet rules’ were made to improve communication on social media. Subsequently, it describes the Golden rules and how to apply them when you are or are dealing with digital citizenship. Lack of access to follow the Golden rules puts digital citizenship at serious disadvantages due to credibility in social media.  People are exposing their ideas online and they are capable of developing their thoughts and opinions  following some rules.

What are the rules and why does everybody need to follow them? These rules are taken from a blog Mom’s Choice Awards.

1. Rule 1: “Treat others with respect.” 

If you are dealing with a specific subject that requires you to convince people you must be respectful. We all want to be respected by others, so we should extend the same to the people we communicate with online.

2. Rule 2: “Do not steal.” 

You should never mislead or scam anyone online. Furthermore, you should never take anything that does not belong to you. For example, pictures, account numbers, words, art and other things you may find online. Be sure you always provide credit. 

3. Rule 3: “Shop on secured sites.” 

In fact, internet users must check every website to do anything from simple product research until they decide to buy. In today’s age, it is important to protect ourselves from potential scammers. 

4. Rule 4: “Never give out personal information, including phone numbers, addresses,” or confirm information you receive in a message on social media. 

Social media was created to connect people and not to ask for your personal information.

5. Rule 5: “Social media is not a place to air drama- keep that for a journal”.

Journalists have a great importance in this rule, they studied a lot and know exactly what is necessary to be published. Let them do it (if you are not professional).

The main part of being a responsible digital citizen is that you need to treat others as you want to be treated. This rule is “The Golden Rule”, applies to online friendships and communications. This demonstrated the importance of following the Golden Rule to writing on social media at the time: without following them, it was considered immediately impossible to participate or create anything on the Internet. The Golden Rule paved the way for dramatic changes in the way we access the Internet and how people are treated. 

Finally, we need to be responsible when we decide to be a digital citizen. When sharing any information, we must be respectful and trustful. People are following us and believing in what they are reading. We can be an influencer and our ideas can be used for good or bad reasons because of that we usually mention our source of information and the authors. Unfortunately, the Internet can be a bad place depending on who is using it. Let’s all practice the rules of digital citizenship to make the Internet a better place.

Sources:

6 Rules of Digital Citizenship for Kids. Link: https://www.momschoiceawards.com/blog/6-rules-of-digital-citizenship-for-kids/

Digital citizen. Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_citizen