Digital Citizenship

By JASSIM Althani

Definition of Digital Citizenship

The appropriate and reasonable behavior in the use of technology.

There are 9 themes of Digital Citizenship.

1. Digital Access

Everybody in society should have equal access to computer and internet technology. No one should be denied digital access which is needed to be a productive citizen.

2. Digital Commerce

Traditional buying and selling of goods is continuously changing from actually going to a store to being able to buy many of these goods on the internet. For example we can shop at home at EBay, Amazon and Net Porter. Consumers need to learn to do this properly and avoid the easy access to illegal goods.

3. Digital Communication

Communication in todays society is booming with social media such as twitter, Facebook, flicker, instagram, etc. through the use of a mini computer or a mobile phone. We can sit at home and communicate all of the world with any one at anytime by using such ways as texting, emailing or by using Skype.

4. Digital Literacy

It is very difficult for schools to keep up with the rapid pace of changing technology and the best way to use it. The new technology for the workplace needs to be taught in schools such as video conferencing and wikispaces . A specialist doctor in Singapore for example , could help another doctor in New York perform a special procedure.

5. Digital Etiquette

Even though the internet enhances the lives of all of us, it can be used inappropriately. People must be taught the moral and ethical standards of conduct to become responsible digital citizen in this new age of technology.

6. Digital Law

There are many unethical and illegal activities on the internet such as stealing information, plagiarizing, downloading illegal music, creating viruses and stealing identities. Internet crime is becoming more and more common and society has to take responsibility for all of the illegal and unethical activity.

7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities

While we all have the freedom to explore and surf the internet, we should be careful and respectful of other people’s rights and privacy.People have basic rights which should always be respected, even on the internet.

8. Digital Health and Wellness

The internet can cause physical and psychological issues for people such as eye problems, chronic tiredness and muscle cramps and can lead to internet addiction. It is important for people to balance the appropriate use of time on the internet in work and leisure time with other activities in their lives.

9. Digital Security

It is really important for us to protect our technological property and personal information when using the internet. We should have virus protection and good passwords that cannot be easily stolen. We should not trust anybody with our personal information and passwords.