Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Edgar Flores
Lamar University
Understanding the elements of digital citizenship 2
Introduction
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,
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,
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
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).
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).
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).
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
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
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
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
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
Works cited
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