Running head: Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 1

Understanding The Elements of Digital Citizenship

Edgar Flores

Lamar University
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 2

Introduction

Digital citizenship is quality interaction, communication, and response to membership in

a digital community. It is a self-monitored interaction and participation that may impact

positively on the communities that one depends on. Digital citizenship can also be defined as the

norm of savvy, ethical, and responsible conduct in regards to technology use. The ever-evolving

technology and its widespread adoption plus our increasing use of digital platforms means that

every person must model appropriate and responsible behavior so as to become successful digital

citizens in the real-world contexts. Therefore, internet users must understand the values of good

citizenship and apply them as they engage online with peers, friends, educators, families and

other people as well. There are nine elements of digital citizenship which will be discussed in

this essay.

1. Digital Access

Those who use technology should be aware that not everybody can access technology at

anywhere and anytime. Therefore, we should all strive to ensure that there are equal digital

rights and support electronic access because that is the first step of digital citizenship.

Otherwise, digital exclusion is a setback towards developing a society that increasingly and

effectively uses technological tools to interact and communicate. The main goal of digital

citizens would be to ensure that they provide and expand access to technology and at the

same time teach them how to use it. Being a successful digital citizen requires a commitment

to ensure that every person and society is given equal access to digital access.

2. Digital Commerce

Today, the global economy has undergone tremendous transformation, and almost 80% of

operations are done electronically. There are legal exchanges that are happening day in day
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 3

out and buyers and sellers ought to be aware of technological issues surrounding such

exchanges. For instance, there are so many products and services that are sold online and

internet users can access these products and services anywhere and anytime using common

communication devices. However, some goods are resurfacing online which do not conform

to morals of the society and they conflict the laws of different countries. For instance,

downloading inappropriate materials and gambling is illegal in some countries. Therefore,

internet users must be aware of such activities and avoid them as much as possible because

that is the only way to ensure they are successful consumers in the digital economy.

3. Digital Communication

Electronic exchange of information is key in the current world. The digital revolution has

increased peoples ability to interact and communicate with one another. There were few

options of communication in the 19th century but the 21st century has come with unlimited

options which include e-mail, instant messaging, smartphones, video conference, and

laptops. Again, we have online communication platforms such as the social media which has

enabled people to communicate and make friends all over the world. People are able to

maintain contacts and collaborate with everyone else through digital communication.

However, many technology users have not been taught how to select the most appropriate

communication option from the many that are available. Digital citizenship requires that

users are taught to make proper decisions on the best communication options.

4. Digital Literacy

Schools have done a lot in terms of educating the masses on technology use. However, a lot

remains to be done, and we should have a renewed focus that aims at teaching about what

technologies and how those technologies should be used. Technological advancements are
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 4

finding ways into schools and workplaces and there is need to develop searching and

processing skills to equip learners so that they can be able to interact and search information

in a digital society. For instance, technology is being used in business, military, education,

and medicine is used differently, and thus users need different skills to use optimally employ

it to achieve their mission and targets. In other words, digital citizenship involves teaching

people new techniques so that they can be with a high degree of digital literacy.

5. Digital Etiquette

One of the challenges of digital citizenship is the lack of digital etiquette. Digital etiquette is

a challenge because many people have irresponsible and inappropriate behavior when

engaging in digital communities. People feel uncomfortable when discussing digital etiquette

with their colleagues. There are rules and regulations which have been established to prevent

the use of such inappropriate behaviors. However, these rules and regulations are not enough

to stop the use of inappropriate behavior. Creating rules to ban such behaviors is not enough,

and therefore we must learn to be responsible citizens by upholding digital etiquette as we

interact within our society. People must uphold electronic standards of conduct in a digital

environment.

6. Digital Law

The digital law addresses the ethics of technology within the community. Unethical

behaviors within cyberspace are manifested through fraud, crime, theft, and abuse or

bullying. However, ethical standards require users to exercise electronic responsibility by

abiding by the laws of their society. Sometimes, people engage in activities without knowing

that it is a crime. However, the challenge of digital citizenship is choosing between two

conflicting rights or wrongs. People must be let aware that stealing peoples identity,
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 5

intruding ones privacy or damaging ones goods or services is a serious crime. There are

specific rules that have been developed to address such criminal acts and users should be

aware of their application. Any person working or engaging online must adhere to these

rules. For instance, downloading illegal materials, plagiarizing someones work, creating

worms or virus to infect peoples computers. Also, sending spam emails, are some of the

unethical behaviors that can land users in deep trouble. To a successful digital citizen, one

must uphold high ethical standards when operating in digital environments (Ribble, 2017).

7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities

These are freedoms that should be exercised by anybody participating in the digital world.

These rights are similar to the bills of rights which is found in the American constitution.

These digital rights are extended to digital citizens, and they include the rights to privacy,

freedom of speech among others. These rights must be discussed, addressed and understand

in the digital world so that digital citizens can know and be aware of their rights as they

engage with each other. It is said that knowledge is power and thus, people musts be taught

about these rights so that they can exercise them without fear or favor. In the same line,

digital citizens are encouraged to be participating in defining how technology should be used

online in a responsible manner. In a digital world, knowing the digital rights and the

responsibilities of every citizen are the two important things in a digital environment, and for

everyone to be productive, these two aspects must work together (Ribble, 2017).

8. Digital Health and Wellness

This element focuses on the physical and psychological well-being of digital citizens as they

engage in the digital world. Physical issues such as eye safety, stress, and ergonomic

practices should be addressed so that the digital world can be a conducive environment for
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 6

interaction and learning. Psychological issues such as internet addiction are becoming more

prevalent in the digital environment. Users need to learn about the inherent dangers

associated with technology use. Through education and training, users are taught to protect

themselves from actions that might endanger their health. Therefore, digital citizenship

should promote health and wellness of the digital users (Ribble, 2017).

9. Digital Security (Self-Protection)

In every society, we have an individual with ill motives. Although they are aware of what is

good or bad, they deliberately choose to steal, deface and disrupt other peoples comfort and

peace. The same case applies to the digital community whereby malicious users are out there

to damage, harm and irritate legitimate digital users. As a matter of general principle, it is not

advisable to trust all members of our community with our safety. That is why we put

measures such as locks on our doors and security alarms in our houses so that we can protect

ourselves from these people. The same self-protection measures should be taken in ensuring

digital security (Ribble, 2017). For instance, users must ensure that their devices have up-to-

date anti-virus protection, backups, and surge controls of the equipment. Responsible citizens

must ensure that they protect sensitive information from outsiders whose aim is to cause

harm and damage or destruction in the digital community.

The above nine elements address three important aspects of digital citizenship, and they

are meant to: respect, educate and protect. One way to ensure the health of the digital

environment is to repeatedly engage in actions that always encourage users to learn better ways

of using technology and at the same time assume responsibilities that will help them to be

productive and contribute to the development of our society. The three aspects are important for

parents, children, and educators because they help in discussing concepts, ideas and issues
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 7

surrounding technology. The elements of etiquette, access, and law fall under the principle of

respect. That is self-respect and respect for others in the community. Literacy, communication,

and commerce fall under the principle of Educate. That is educating oneself and connecting with

others as well. Finally, rights and responsibilities, safety, health and wellness fall under protect.

These elements are important and should be taught in classes so that the concept of digital

citizenship is fully incorporated in our lives (Ribble, 2017).

I find it necessary to mention all these elements because they are important to educators

and learners as well. These elements assist in shaping and guiding the learning and teaching

process especially for online courses. For instance, understanding the digital etiquette will allow

students to learn appropriate and responsible conduct such as respecting other peoples feelings

and opinion and not hurting them through bullying or inappropriate language. Digital law will

also prevent them from violating copyright and practicing plagiarism.

In this project, I used PowToon in my presentation and some of the difficulties I

encountered were lack of proper skills to insert animations so as to guide my explanation.

However, I feel that I succeeded in giving my insights about digital citizenship and especially

with regards to helping learners to be more responsible as well as understand the best actions that

one can undertake when engaging and interacting online.

Conclusion

This essay is a culmination of what I have learnt in the four weeks and I have based by

explanation and insights on the videos and materials that were provided for readings. These

materials have exposed me to a new world. It has also helped me to become better equipped

digital citizen in terms of knowing how to act responsibly when engaging online. I have learnt so

many things including copyright and intellectual property, digital footprint as well as the nine
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 8

elements of digital citizenship. I choose this format because I wanted my essay to be as simple

and clear as possible and I believe that the format is effective and serves the intended purpose

which is to educate the reader on the nine elements of digital citizenship and their influence on

how we use technology.

Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 9

Works cited

Barlett, C., Chamberlin, K., & Witkower, Z. (2016). Predicting cyberbullying perpetration in

emerging adults: A theoretical test of the Barlett Gentile Cyberbullying

Model. Aggressive Behavior, 43(2), 147-154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ab.21670

Choi, M. (2016). A Concept Analysis of Digital Citizenship for Democratic Citizenship

Education in the Internet Age. Theory & Research In Social Education, 44(4), 565-607.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00933104.2016.1210549

Deschamps, R., & McNutt, K. (2016). Cyberbullying: What's the problem?. Canadian Public

Administration, 59(1), 45-71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/capa.12159

Falk, S. (2011). The Rise of the Digital Citizen. Zeitschrift Fr Politikberatung, 4(4), 157-161.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5771/1865-4789-2011-4-157

Heick, T. (2013). The Definition Of Digital Citizenship. Teachthought.com. Retrieved 3 March

2017, from http://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/digital-citizenship-the-

future-of-learning/the-definition-of-digital-citzenship

Kim, B. (2013). Towards a narrative concept of citizenship: Implications for citizenship

education as childrens identity-making. Citizenship Teaching & Learning, 8(3), 279-293.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1386/ctl.8.3.279_1

Walrave, M., & Heirman, W. (2010). Cyberbullying: Predicting Victimization and

Perpetration. Children & Society, 25(1), 59-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-

0860.2009.00260.x