My graduate technology class focuses in on what it means to be a "good" digital citizen in today's technology-rich world. I'm sure we have all heard cases, or maybe even witnessed, someone using technology inappropriately. In your opinion, what do you think it means to be a good digital citizen?
It is true that technology can become very dangerous when used inappropriately. Unfortunately, it is very easy for individuals to misuse technology, especially with the anonymity that it can provide. I feel that being a good digital citizen means taking responsibility for your digital behavior towards others as well as to yourself. Others should not be disrespected because of your posts, and you should not disrespect yourself by posting inappropriate and personal photos and posts about oneself. The truth is that these actions have serious consequences, even if unintended. The effects of cyberbullying are real and damaging, and they need to be addressed by a society as a whole if they are to cease.
ReplyDeleteNia Morales
I definitely agree. And when it comes to kids, we need to teach them at a young age what it means to be a responsible digital citizen so they grow up knowing what it means to use technology properly.
DeleteBesides the obvious pros and cons mentioned by Nia in her above comment, being a good digital citizen goes far beyond blogs and social communities like Facebook, Twitter and My Space; one cannot forget the use of technology in situations dealing with online shopping and the like. Internet and e-mail open the door to both types of users, the good and the bad. Hackers and scammers are two extreme examples of inappropriate use of computer technology. Identity theft affects millions of people everyday. Also, piracy of music downloads and/or videos is just another very common example of inappropriate technology use that is committed by many people on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteBesides cyber bullying, violations of one's privacy in cases such as online stalking and sexual depredations make the use of this technology something that needs to be monitored very closely, especially with the youngest users. I agree with Nia that these issues need to be addressed by society as a whole to make online communication as safe as possible.
Pat Sebest-Morales
Illegal downloading of music is a serious issue. Partly, I think kids don't realize how serious piracy is... they probably don't stop to realize that it is really stealing. Take a kid who downloads an illegal song online without thinking twice. Chances are he or she wouldn't steal a CD from a store. The internet provides a sort of shield from what we perceive as reality even though our online actions have dire consequences.
DeleteOne of the issues with piracy is the indistinct line between theft and exploitation of free media. For example: what is the difference between illegally downloading a song, or simply listening to it on youtube? Both are free, readily available, and accessible through multiple media devices, and yet one is legal while the other isn't. In both cases the consumer gets a product without paying the artist for it. Trying to find the difference between these situations is what makes them so difficult to navigate.
DeleteI believe that being a good digital citizen means not taking part inappropriate or illigal activities online. These activities consist from something as simple as cyber bullying to more serious illigal crimes that could land a person in jail. Piracy, hacking, and illegaly downloading music are just a few examples of illegal activities committed online daily. Being a good digital citizen means using the internet for positive actions. Examples of such actions would be communicating with friends, applying and searching for jobs, and staying up to date with news all around the world.
ReplyDeleteSocial networking has provided many benefits for people in many different situations so the internet is such a great tool when used properly. It's unfortunate that some people abuse their rights of using the internet which is why people need to speak out against using the internet for ill purposes and speak up for using the internet appropriately!!
DeleteI agree with you, Diana, that most kids don't think twice about downloading songs and videos for personal use. Another form of piracy is committed by high school and college students that constitutes plagarism; the use of pictures, videos and music on research papers without proper citation. However, most professors have the foresight to teach students the proper use of internet/web sources and the correct procedure for referencing these sites.Mike, I totally agree with you that the internet is a great way to communicate with friends and family, especially when there is a problem of physical distance between family members. Nowadays filling out job applications has been facilitated greatly by online programs and up to the minute news and even results of international issues are at our fingertips in a matter of seconds. Appropriate cyber-use has definitely succeeded in closing distances in both the physical arena and time so that we can enjoy up to date, immediate communication in all areas of our lives.
ReplyDeleteSomething like Skype even is a great way to stay in touch with someone overseas. You can talk to them and see them face to face as if they're actually there with you! It's quite amazing when you really think about it.
DeleteBeing a good digital citizen means using the internet positively and to better yourself. A good example of this is keeping in touch with family and friends via email and social networking. The internet has many great uses, however it also has negative ones. Identity theft, fraud, illegal downloading, and adultery are just some of many. It's easy to hide or erase the bad things that have been done. Therefore, there is no accountability for those actions. Being a good digital citizen means holding yourself accountable for how you use technology and never misusing the priviledges that come with the technology we've been given.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I love the idea of facebook, especially for keeping in touch with people I don't see often. I have so much family overseas and through facebook I can see pictures of them and share my pictures so they can see. It's such a great way to stay connected with people who are so far away!
DeleteAn example of being a good digital citizen is using technology to minimize your environmental footprint. Nowadays most places have online bill pay and online banking, eliminating the need for so much paper. It also saves a lot of time.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! The internet is a good way for more people to go green!!!
DeleteYou become a digital citizen the moment you signup for email or text a friend or begin a blog. Utilizing technology in various formats creates a whole new set of rules and responsibilites as a citizen of this digital world. In order to be a good digital citizen, we have to practice appropriate behaviors and educate others about the do's and don'ts of digital citizenship. If you wouldn't say it to someone's face...you probably should say it online!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I meant...shouldn't say it online. :)
DeleteThe worst part about the internet, I believe, is that people feel it provides a shield for them to say things they normally wouldn't say in person... This is something we need to eliminate in people's thinking! Words hurt no matter in what form they are stated.
DeleteI believe a good digital citizen is a person who reaps the endless benefits of today's technological thriving society rather than abusing that privilege. Technology enables us to remain in close contact with friends--new and old-- and relatives across the globe. Today we are also fortunate enough to share information with other people from all parts of the world, weather it be scientific based, financial based, technologically based, etc. Any person who utilizes the digital world for its positive influences may be considered a good digital citizen.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Katie! There are so many wonderful things about the internet, it's quite a shame that some people use it for evil rather than take advantage of all the resources and opportunities we have online.
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