DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP is how we engage with media and technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate in the world. Let's spend time thinking about "How am I being a digital citizen today?" Explore some of elements of digital citizenship below. Please join us to reflect and share ideas.
Thank you to Common Sense Media for all of the resources below.
Media Balance means using media in a way that feels healthy and level with other activities in your life. It can also help to think about if you are an active media user, meaning you are creating, commenting or posting vs. a passive media user, meaning you are scrolling and looking at other people's posts.
Watch today's video then think about how being on social media makes you feel.
When does social media make you happiest? Think about what you are using, how you are using it and how much you are using it when you feel happiest.
When does social media make you least happy? Think about what you are using, how you are using it and how much you are using it when you feel least happy.
What is one concrete step you can take in your daily life to make your overall experience with social media happier? Willing to share your idea with others? Submit it here.
What is the “right” age for using social media? In the U.S. children are required to be 13 to sign up for most social media platforms. However, I think we all know, that requirement is pretty easy for kids to get around. So, why have an age requirement? And, what are the down sides for starting social media young?
While watching today's video think about issues of PRIVACY, SAFETY and MENTAL HEALTH and how they might be different for kids vs. teens vs. adults.
At what age do you think you were mature enough to handle all the pros and cons of social media? Willing to share your idea with others? Submit it here.
Is the you that people see online the real you?
Your real self is the parts of you that you feel are core to your identity, that make you who you are. Your curated self is the parts of you that you CHOOSE to show through your online presence on social media. Are they the same? Think about why or why not.
Watch today’s video then think about how and why you curate your online presence. What are the benefits and drawbacks?
Willing to share your idea with others? Submit them here.
Is the Internet making us mean?
It’s probably no surprise that many of us act differently online than we might face to face. Researchers call this the online disinhibition effect. This can sometimes be a good thing if it means you reach out for help on a problem but, it can also lead to saying or doing something hostile or mean.
Watch today’s video then think about how the factors of anonymity, lag time and lack of verbal/facial cues might be impacting how you behave online.
Willing to share an example of when you’ve seen online disinhibition be a good or bad thing? Submit it here.
The internet and social media give us tools to find out what's happening almost instantly -- sometimes even in real time. But, how much can we trust the breaking news we see online?
The race to be first can mean breaking news posts and reports can spread without fact-checking or having the full picture.
Social media can also be full of misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation means something that is inaccurate, but not necessarily intentionally wrong. Disinformation means something that is inaccurate and was deliberately trying to influence and mislead.
Watch today’s video and think about the four tips for thinking critically about what you see online: 1) Be patient 2) Think before you share 3) Be skeptical and 4) Consider the source.
Which tip do you think would be the best one to add to your current digital habits? Why? Willing to share, submit your ideas here.