The definition of digital citizenship has to do with the quality of behaviors that impact the quality of digital content and communities.
A few rules and strategies for digital citizenship include:
1. Respect Matters
Treat others online with respect, kindness, and empathy, just as you would in face-to-face interactions. Avoid cyberbullying, harassment, or spreading hate speech.
2. Practice Online Etiquette
Follow proper online etiquette, such as using appropriate language, refraining from excessive capitalization (which can be perceived as shouting), and avoiding offensive or inappropriate content.
3. Identify Privacy And Security That Fit Your Use Of Digital Spaces
Protect your personal information online and respect the privacy of others. Use strong and unique passwords, be cautious about sharing personal details, and think twice before posting or forwarding sensitive information.
4. Manage Your Digital Footprint
Remember that your online activities leave a digital footprint that can impact your reputation. Be mindful of the content you share, comment on, or engage with, as it can have long-term consequences.
5. Understand And Abide By Copyright And Intellectual Property Guidelines
Respect the rights of content creators and abide by copyright laws. Do not use or distribute copyrighted material without proper permission or attribution.
6. Critical Thinking
Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of online information. Be cautious of misinformation and fake news, and verify information from reliable sources before sharing it.
7. Limited, Efficient, And Responsible Use Of Social Media
Use social media platforms responsibly, being mindful of the impact your posts and comments can have on others. Be cautious about oversharing personal information or engaging in harmful online behavior.
8. Practice Quality Cybersecurity Measures
Maintain good cybersecurity practices, such as keeping your devices and software up to date, using antivirus software, and being cautious of suspicious emails, links, or downloads that could be malicious.
9. Digital Literacy Matters
Continuously develop your digital literacy skills to navigate the online world effectively. Stay informed about new technologies, privacy settings, and online trends to make informed decisions.
10. Find Your Digital Balance
Maintain a healthy balance between your online and offline life. Limit screen time, take breaks from technology, and engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
See also Tips To Help Students Manage Their Digital Footprints
Beyond that are some additional guidelines (and some repeated) itemized in the graphic below.
To help clarify what that ‘quality’ can look like, knowthenet.org.uk put together the following infographic framed around Dos and Don’ts.
While seemingly written for a more general audience than students and educators, the thinking is sound, including “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” “Don’t forget the human behind the screen,” “Listen first, talk later,” and “Use proper grammar.”
Overall it’s a bit basic, but it does take the important step of moving beyond rhetoric to offer concrete tips to realize the idea.
20 Basic Rules For Digital Citizenship
