There are many aspects that go into digital citizenship. Common sense Media defines digital citizenship as “to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in our digital world” (Common Sense Media website, 2018). Diving deeper than that, there are nine elements that go into digital citizenship: digital access, digital commerce, digital communication, digital etiquette, digital fluency, digital health and welfare, digital law, digital rights, and digital rights and security (Ribble, Bailey, & Ross, 2004). This video does a great job of continuing that conversation and explaining more in depth about digital citizenship.
When you think of digital citizenship and digital literacy, you might think they are very similar. However, they are quite different but also work hand in hand with each other. Digital literacy is defined as “knowing digital tools and using them in communicative, collaborative ways through social engagement” (ALA website, 2019). This short video explains digital literacy in depth. A similarity between the two is that they are both centered around technology and using the newest media. They both work hand in hand because in order to be a digital citizen, you need to be digitally literate.
Digital citizenship can be supported for adults learners by myself by continuing to implement digital aspects of curriculum when possible. Also, digital citizenship is very beneficial for students in society, that is shown through this quote, “Digital citizenship is a mediated guide for human behavior so that all may benefit in digital society” (Ribble, 2015) (Xu, Yang, MacLeod, & Zhu, 2018). Individuals need to make sure they are being respectful when posting online in order to enact good digital citizenship.
Through my own experiences, I would say that I see a lot of people online that are not being good digital citizens. Those that are posting fabricated stories or stuff that simply isn’t true has no place being online. I enjoy reading articles form accredited journalists because I know they are good digital citizens.