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Who is your data twin? How do you challenge it in the digital world?
In today's digital world, everyone has become a producer and consumer of their own data. These data are not only a trace of our behavior, but also reflect our social identity and political stance, forming a so-called "data twin". However, can we truly understand this digital identity and how to effectively challenge these data-shaped selves in digital spaces?
Digital citizens will no longer be mere technology users, but individuals who can actively shape their own roles as citizens.
According to Karen Mossberger, a digital citizen is "someone who uses the Internet regularly and effectively." In this sense, digital citizens are people who participate in social, political and governmental activities through information technology (IT). The concept goes beyond just having skills, but also encompasses the responsible use of the digital environment, ensuring that every individual can contribute in a positive way on the Internet.
Core Principles of Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship involves a number of core principles that guide our behavior in the digital world:
- Digital accessibility: ensuring everyone has equitable access to technology.
- Digital etiquette: Behave respectfully and responsibly in your online interactions.
- Digital Communications: Utilize digital tools to communicate effectively.
- Digital literacy: understanding how to use and evaluate digital information.
- Digital Law: Comply with legal standards related to online activities.
- Digital Rights and Responsibilities: Be aware of your rights and responsibilities online.
- Digital health and wellbeing: Manage screen time and maintain mental and physical health.
- Digital security: Protect your personal information and stay safe online.
The concept of digital citizenship emphasizes empowerment and democratization, exploring the diversity of public participation in a digital society.
In the so-called “algorithmic society,” the issue of digital citizenship becomes even more complex. Our digital twins often reveal our habits and tendencies, which not only influence our personal choices but may also have an impact on the political process. In many cases, our data is used to reinforce our biases and stereotypes, which in turn influence our voting behavior.
Types of digital engagement
People who identify themselves as digital citizens tend to use technology extensively, creating blogs, using social networks and participating in online news reporting. However, digital citizenship is not just about using the internet, but about having a deep understanding of how you participate. According to Thomas Humphrey Marshall's theory, the development of digital citizens can be divided into two stages: information dissemination and citizen deliberation.
The first stage is information dissemination. At this stage, citizens can communicate through static or dynamic messages. Static information dissemination is mainly carried out through "read-only" websites, while dynamic information dissemination involves more interactive citizen participation, such as two-way communication platforms. The second stage is citizen deliberation, during which citizens are able to engage in in-depth discussions on policy changes.
Digital citizenship requires not only technical proficiency, but also reflection and practice on participation behaviors.
However, the road to digital engagement is not an easy one. Current challenges include data security, information overload, and information distortion caused by the filter bubble effect, all of which pose a threat to the democratic process. Those groups that do not have access to technology may face further marginalization and social isolation.
Developing and developed countries
In developed countries, governments have used digital platforms to increase transparency and citizen participation, which further encourages voter participation in elections. In contrast, developing countries have relatively few digital citizens, who often use technology to challenge local corruption and other challenges. In this context, digital identities are more likely to become a catalyst for change.
For example, Estonia’s Digital Residency Program provides entrepreneurs from all over the world with the opportunity to operate in a digital environment, demonstrating how economic development can be advanced on a global scale. However, the success of these policies must face potential threats to cybersecurity and challenges in digital governance.
Digital Education and Youth Engagement
Young people are an important group in the development of digital citizenship. Studies show that adolescents tend to spend a lot of time on social media, which has a significant impact on their cognitive abilities and political participation. This group is not only a consumer of digital content, but also an engine driving change. However, this digital engagement also carries risks, including exposure to false information and social exclusion on social media.
Faced with such a complex digital environment, can we incorporate the concept of digital citizenship into the education system to cultivate the next generation who can confidently face and challenge data twins in the future?
