Why digital citizenship matters
Neerja Singh
Has concern about the impact of technology on the generation you’re leading today struck you yet? Have there been effects of artificial intelligence in your classroom that have caused you worry? The time has come for schools to best prepare students for the age of ChatGPT. There is an ongoing and potent interaction between technology, digital citizenship, and the wellbeing of our young today. And we may not allow our students to merely become statistics of a research project. They need help to understand the world as it is shifting shape around them.
In today’s digital age, responsibly navigating the online world is as crucial as learning social etiquette used to be in the past. While earlier generations were taught the importance of firm handshakes, polite conversation, and table manners, the new landscape requires skills that are often less intuitive. These include critical thinking, self-awareness, and impulse control in the face of constant connectivity, misinformation, and digital interactions.
The stakes for understanding digital citizenship can be extremely high. Fraud statistics from 2021 reveal that individuals aged 20-29 accounted for 41% of reported cases, according to the Federal Trade Commission. And it is not just financial scams, young people face a barrage of misinformation, persuasive advertising, and the ethical dilemmas that come with modern technology. With little formal training in how to engage responsibly online, many are left vulnerable.
There are parallels between traditional etiquette and digital citizenship that highlight the need for structured learning. Just as etiquette once guided face-to-face interactions, digital citizenship offers a roadmap for engaging thoughtfully in virtual spaces. Understanding this framework can help individuals better protect themselves while fostering a more respectful and informed digital culture.
But how do the adults translate this need for digital awareness? Teaching digital citizenship is no simple task. Educators and parents alike grapple with how best to guide young people in a world that evolves at lightning speed. The challenges are apparent in stories like that of a student who believed in an elaborate conspiracy theory because it was compellingly presented online or another who fell victim to a scam posing as a mystery shopping job. Such incidents reveal a critical gap in understanding how to evaluate information and make the right and safe decisions in digital spaces.
This gap is further emphasized by research. Studies from institutions like Stanford University show that many students struggle to distinguish between advertisements and legitimate news stories. A separate study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that children around the age of 14 are particularly vulnerable to believing unproven ideas*. These findings underscore the importance of developing skills to critically analyze online content and distinguish credible sources from unreliable ones.
Young people also face the challenge of understanding the weight of their digital actions. A careless post or comment can go viral, with implications far beyond their immediate social circle. Helping them recognize the consequences of such actions is an essential part of preparing to become a responsible digital citizen.
How then does one begin to make sense of the complexities of online behaviour? To help with this, the concept of a Digital Citizenship Matrix has been introduced. This framework breaks down online engagement into four roles: consumer, creator, reactor, and promoter. A consumer engages with content by reading articles, watching videos, or scrolling through social media. A creator generates content, whether it’s a blog post, video, or social media update. A reactor responds to content through likes, comments, or shares, while a promoter actively amplifies content by sharing it with others.
These roles are often interconnected, and understanding them encourages a more mindful approach to online activity. Recognizing oneself as a consumer, creator, reactor, or promoter allows individuals to assess the impact of their actions and make more intentional choices. As passive consumers, we could ask ourselves if we are growing or wasting away. As active creators, the factor to be mindful of is whether our posts, reflections, comments are born of integrity and consistently reflect who we want to be. As passive public reactors, are we pushing to prevalence hurtful and negative content or positive and constructive material? As active public promoters, do we make sure the posts we share align with our beliefs and values?
All this brings us to one critical question: What are the essential skills that will make us a responsible digital citizen? The three key skills here would be self-awareness, critical thinking, and impulse control.
Self-awareness involves understanding one’s identity and values and how they translate into online behaviour. It’s about recognizing the motivations behind sharing a post or engaging in a discussion and ensuring these actions align with personal ethics.
Critical thinking is vital in a world flooded with information. Asking questions like “Who created this content?” or “What might they gain from sharing it?” helps in evaluating the credibility of online material. Triangulating information – verifying it with at least three reputable sources – further ensures that individuals base their decisions on accurate and reliable data.
Impulse control is equally important. The urge to react instantly to a provocative post or sensational headline often fuels the spread of misinformation. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and verify before responding can make a significant difference.
It is not all bad, however! Yes, there is the danger of the digital world but it is also a space for positive change where a constructive online culture can be fostered. One often reads stories of young people using their online presence to spread kindness and uplift others. These heartwarming posts illustrate the potential of digital citizenship. In one case, a group of teenage girls committed to posting encouraging messages online, transforming the culture of their school. This example highlights the power of positive peer pressure. When young people see their peers acting responsibly online – sharing credible information, engaging respectfully, and promoting positivity – they are more likely to adopt similar behaviours. Creating environments that celebrate responsible digital actions can amplify their impact.
As we negotiate the accelerated digital ecosystem with responsible skill, we also have to prepare for the future. It will be one that will extend beyond current challenges to address new developments, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. As AI continues to shape the way information is created and shared, understanding its implications will be key to navigating the digital landscape. Initiatives that equip young people with the tools to evaluate AI-driven content will be vital in ensuring they remain informed and discerning.
Digital citizenship is about more than avoiding scams or identifying fake news. It’s about empowering ourselves and others to engage thoughtfully, respectfully, and ethically in the digital space. This requires a collective effort from educators, parents, and communities to provide the tools and guidance necessary for responsible online behaviour.
As we embrace the digital world, the lessons of traditional etiquette remain relevant. Respect for others, thoughtfulness in our actions, and a commitment to honesty are as important online as they are offline. By fostering these values, we can create a digital culture that is not only safer but also richer and more meaningful for everyone.
* Schoolkids Are Falling Victim to Disinformation and Conspiracy Fantasies | Scientific American
The writer is a generational diversity speaker, author of five generational books, and a consultant on working with GenZ; Leading with Social Impact, and Suicide Prevention & Destigmatisation. A millennial in spirit, with the benefit of hindsight, she uses her 37 years in media and education to help leverage generational diversity at work and at home. She can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/neerja-singh/.
