Question 1.1 - 9 Elements
Question 1.1:
There are nine elements that are associated
with the word “Digital Citizenship”. These elements were defined by Mike Ribble
in 2011 and they focus on the use, misuse and abuse of technology in the
current digital age. The elements describe that technological users can use
these resources and internet responsibly, safely and ethically. Since
technology is under continuous innovation, users need to ensure the appropriate
manner in which they use it.
Digital Access:
Definition:
“Digital Access is the full
electronic participation in society” (Ribble, 2011).
Use:
The opportunity to access technology not
only allows users to enhance their ability to use and understand technology
itself, but allows for participants to learn, research and understand information
on any given topic.
Although technology allows humans to
connect and communicate with each other instantly, there are many people who
are unable to do so for a number of reasons. Numerous people who face
disabilities and poverty are unable to access technological devices, or simply
do not know how to use technology (Ribble, 2011).
Misuse and abuse:
People who are frequent users, or computer
experts are able to use technology for various wrong reasons.
Computer experts are able to hack and steal
data and software from companies. Hackers sometimes target and spy on certain
users, they then blackmail the user stating that all their personal and private
information will be leaked unless they pay them a certain amount of money. For
these reasons it is important for users to install antivirus and firewall
measures on their computers to ensure all their information is protected.
People who have very high computer skills
are able to go onto the dark web. According to Dictionary.com the dark web is
defined as “the portion of the Internet that is intentionally hidden from
search engines, uses masked IP addresses, and is accessible only with a special
web browser: part of the deep web.” The key takeaway here is that the dark web
is part of the deep web”. The dark web is commonly known for illegal black
markets selling weapons, drugs and fake identification. There are some rooms
that host live videos of torturing and killing of animals and even humans. The
dark web should not be used for fun, people are able to access your exact
location within a short period of time this making it extremely dangerous.
Users should only use technology to learn
and create a safe environment, and not to engage in harmful and illegal
activities.
Attached are some Youtube links that
explain more about the dark web.
Digital Commerce
Definition:
“Digital commerce refers to the
buying or selling of goods electronically” (Ribble, 2011)
Use:
Online shopping has become easier, more
available and more convenient for users. Users are able to navigate millions of
different online stores and complete a purchase faster than it would take for
them to get to the closest store and acquire products. Online commerce allows
businesses to target almost users and allow people to see what is being offered
without having to go anywhere. Users are able to sell their own unwanted
products on the internet; some users are able to generate an income through the
buying and selling of second hand goods. Consumers need to research products
that they would like to purchase and identify the safest and most suitable
website for themselves in order for them to complete their transactions.
Researching not only allows consumers the opportunity to find new websites and
great online shopping deals but it also helps reduce impulsive buying Ribble.
To avoid any post purchase transactions or
wasting of money, consumers should research refunding, exchanging and payment
methods
Misuse and abuse:
Users need to become aware and learn how to
be intelligent customers, thus avoiding scams and false advertisement of
products all whilst avoiding debt (Ribble, 2011).
Some items advertised can be fake, and the
site advertising the items sold may lead the customer to unwanted websites,
content and graphics. Consumers need to ensure that they only provide credit
card information to trusted and verified sites to avoid identity and banking
theft.
Online shopping can become an addiction,
which can lead to overdraft, loans, debt and a bad credit score. Users need to
be able to control their spending or find help if they feel that they have an
addiction.
Digital communication
Definition:
“Digital communication allows
for the electronic exchange of information” (Ribble, 2011).
Use:
Since the great advancement of technology in
this digital age, it allows humans the privilege of connecting with one another
- just with a touch of a button. This instant form of communication allows
people to remain in touch whether they are small or great distances apart from
one another. Platforms allow for people to meet and make friends or even find
partners.
This communication also allows businesses
to communicate with consumers and market their goods.
Communication takes place through numerous
apps, websites and features such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger,
blogs, normal phone calls, video calls, and text messaging.
Cellphones allow people to call and
communicate with anybody at any time, and it is most necessary for safety.
Misuse and abuse:
This instant form of communication
sometimes allows people to develop and hinder a false identity, and they are
able to communicate differently online and hide themselves. Cases have been
extreme where other users’ pictures and identities have been stolen, and are
used by people who pretend they are that user to talk to other people - this is
known as catfishing.
Social media platforms are full of people
who cyber bully other users, and this can affect mental health. Many users have
attempted and committed suicide due to cyber bullying. It is important to
ensure that negative messages and feeds are blocked and users do not partake in
any online disputes or sending of negative messages. Certain schools do not
allow students to have access to cellphones or social media platforms at school
due to cyberbullying.
Another negative factor about this form of
communication is that people do not become aware of how they speak to people
online versus face-to-face communication, and are more socially active
online. This also can lead to users
having social anxiety and being shy in face-to-face conversations.
Digital communication should be used to
support other users and sharing of appropriate information.
Digital Literacy:
Definition:
“Digital literacy is the process of
teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology” (Ribble, 2011).
Use:
One of the fundamental aspects of
technology is the ability and understanding of how technology functions, in
order for it to be used in the most responsible and appropriate way.
It is often easier for the younger
generation to use technology than it is for older people.
Luckily, there are functions on smart
phones that provide assisted learning features that help people optimize their
full use of their phone while learning how to.
People can often go to cellphone stores and
ask for assistance or even ask someone they know.
As schools become more technologically
inclined, it allows for students to develop technological skills at a young
age. Unfortunately most schools cannot afford to provide the devices for
students to learn, so these skills are unable to be taught.
It is highly important that these skills be
developed as most businesses now days are technology oriented and employees
need to be digitally literate.
Misuse and abuse:
Although learning with technology has
allowed skills to develop it does not always include the instruction on
appropriate and inappropriate use of technology.
People that teach digital skills, have often
not had proper training on how to use it appropriately, and do not pass on the
important information (Ribble, 2011).
Users can become very literate in
technology and use it for their own personal benefit, for example hacking,
stalking and stealing of information.
Digital etiquette:
Digital etiquette:
Definition: digital etiquette is the
electronic standard of conduct or procedure.
Use:
This element explains in what manner
technology should be used. Users should ensure they act responsibly on devices
at all time.
Some people see how others use technology
and assume that if they can use it in that manner, then anybody can. People lag
behind and do not understand the suitable rules that apply to technology and
communication. Ribble
Misuse and abuse:
The major concern with technology is that
parents, friends and other users do not know what is going on inside
everybody’s devices. This allows a person to assume that they are acting
responsibly online when in fact they might not be.
Basic etiquette or netiquette should
prohibit the users from doing the following:
Using slang, bullying, using offensive
language and sharing of inappropriate content.
Everybody should try use technology
appropriately in order to set an example for other users to follow.
Digital Law
Definition “the electronic responsibility for actions and deeds” (Ribble, 2011).
Use:
Users need to ensure that they comply with basic
laws in the real world as well as the online world, and that they are aware of
these laws. If certain laws are broken they can have serious consequences, so
it’s vital that every comment, message and online action is thought through
before it takes place. Users should avoid looking, sending or receiving
inappropriate material.
Misuse and abuse:
Sending self-pornographic images and
content to somebody has become very popular. This ‘trend’ can become highly
illegal if the person is under the age of 16 and will be considered as child
pornography. Therefore the person who holds the content can be faced with
serious criminal charges.
Since MP3 players, music apps and streaming
platforms have become easier than CDs and DVDs, it has encouraged the pirating
of copyrighted material. Downloading copyrighted material is illegal and should
be avoided at all costs. Users should purchase streaming subscriptions e.g.
Netflix or Apple Music, instead of illegally downloading movies and music.
Hacking, identity theft and stalking online
is extremely illegal, and contain serious criminal charges. These inappropriate and highly illegal activities should not be conducted at all and they should also be prevented from them happening to the
users.
Digital rights and responsibilities
Definition:
"Those requirements and freedoms
extended to everyone in a digital world" (Ribble, 2011).
Use:
In a digital world, there are certain
rights of privilege that come with the membership of the groups participated
in.
“Being a full member in digital society means that each user is
afforded certain rights, and those rights should be provided equally to all
members. Digital citizens also certain responsibilities To this society; they
must agree to live according to the parameters that are mutually agreed upon by
members.Boundaries may come in the form of legal rules or regulations, or
as acceptable use policies" (Ribble, 2011)
Misuse and abuse:
Users constantly use other people’s work
and do not acknowledge the original work or ideas. This can be illegal and
should be avoided at all costs. Avoiding plagiarism allows the ability to be
more creative and allows other people to reference your work. When using other
people’s work it should be cited and permission should be requested.
Digital health and wellness
Digital health and wellness
Definition:
"Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology" (Ribble, 2011)
Use:
People need to be aware of the inherent
risks that come with technology.
People need to allocate time restrictions
to limit their time spent on technology. This helps avoid addiction to social
media as people let it take control of their lives. Active users need to promote health and
wellness(Ribble, 2011).
Misuse and abuse:
People spend a lot of time on social media,
which can cause serious mental health issues as well as physical issues.
Examples of these are laziness, depression, anxiety and obesity.
Certain smart phones give reports on how
long is spent on each app. Users should study these reports and monitor their
usage as times spent in one day may vary to the next. This should also be used
as a guideline to limit oneself.
Digital security
Definition:
"the electronic precautions to
guarantee safety" (Ribble, 2011).
Use:
Most data is stored electronically than physically
due to the fact that it is accessible anywhere at any time other than stored in
a certain area that is not accessible at all times.
Since most data is stored online,
especially private and confidential information, it is important that all
information is protected by using an antivirus program and having functional
firewalls.
Use and misuse:
People who do not install safety
precautions are extremely vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Going into websites
that are unsafe and hazardous exposes unprotected users and are at high risk
for hacking and viruses.
Viruses can be very dangerous as they can
wipe the entire contents of your devices and sometimes will prohibit your
device to work entirely.
Users should not disclose private
information online as they might be taken advantage of. Having software to
protect your device almost guarantees that all your information is safe.
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