The internet has become the primary source of virtually all the news and other information we need. So, did you know that the way you use this information is closely related to your digital literacy? First of all, do you know what digital literacy is?
This term doesn’t come up very often, but if you want to compete well in the digital era, you need to have and continue to develop this skill.
What is Digital Literacy?
Common Sense Media states that being able to use technology is part of being able to use media. Digital literacy is more than just being able to read the information in digital media. It also means searching for, finding, evaluating, and using the information you find. So, someone has good digital literacy skills if they can read and understand information from the internet, smartphones, and other digital sources.
Digital literacy is definitely a skill that you use every day when you use the internet and technology, even if you don’t know it. Unfortunately, not everyone has a good level of digital literacy skills. It will be beneficial if you continue improving your digital literacy abilities to use technology effectively in various industries.
Why is Digital Literacy Important?
Picture: Pexels
According to Tech Boomers, you can get the following benefits by having digital literacy:
- Expand your networking through social media
- Digital platforms or apps can help you live a more efficient life
- Maintain the confidentiality of personal information online
- Find entertainment that relaxes you
- Increase daily productivity
- Easier for you to get a job
- Improve job satisfaction
- Help the company see you as a more valuable
- Enhance the ability to collaborate with coworkers
- Keeping you up-to-date with industry trends
Primary Key of Digital Literacy
Picture: Freepik
If you want to improve your digital literacy skills, you should at least know and practice these 5 things:
- Search effectively
Who can’t search for something through a search engine like Google? Maybe you think so. Most people can do it easily. However, just being able to is not enough. If you want to be called “digitally literate,” remember that being able to search well is one of the essential skills you need to have.
Not only enter keywords into the search box, but the keywords you enter must also be able to bring you to the right and fast search results. Apart from that, you also have to be able to find the best information from credible sources. So, you can get good information and learn what you need to know.
- Protect personal information
By being on the internet, you are connected to millions of networks. If you cannot protect your personal information and others, irresponsible parties can misuse this information. A critical aspect of digital literacy is fundamental internet security knowledge. You must be able to create strong passwords, know how privacy protection works on several platforms, such as Google and privacy settings, and respect other people’s personal data.
- Giving credit
You can easily find other people’s content or work on the internet. However, you must know that you cannot just use whatever you find. Indeed, in the digital world, being connected to everything is commonplace. However, not everything is yours. Good digital literacy means knowing that you have to respect the creator of a work, even if you find it on the internet for free.
Even though you can easily take and use the work or content you find, you must always remember to give credit as a form of appreciation to the creators. Don’t forget to ask permission first before doing it. Also, respect their decision if you are prevented from sharing what they made. This applies to all forms of work on the internet and its various platforms.
- Understand the digital footprint
People often say that leaving a digital footprint can destroy you. That’s right. So, it would be best if you were smart about using social media and the internet. Remember that anything you upload or share on the internet can be seen by anyone and will always be there, even if you delete it.
- Value opinions
In using social media, it’s hard to avoid arguments. Information and other people’s opinions are easily held in your hands. You don’t have to agree with everything. Well, one of the essential things for building digital literacy is the ability to appreciate whatever other people are discussing on social media. Be a nice netizen, ok?
Then, what can you do to improve your digital literacy skills?
Picture: Freepik
Tech Boomers and AAT advise you to do the following.
- Take online courses
- Read books discussing technology
- Keep abreast of trends in the world of technology and information
- Use technology in daily activities such as for work, doing hobbies, or showing work online
- Communicate online such as using email, video conferencing applications, or social media
- Build a social media profile
- Teach digital skills to others
- Or train digital skills that have been owned regularly
Sounds simple? However, not everyone can do it well, you know. To develop your digital literacy skills, you must frequently practice and keep learning. Sagara Technology provides many articles that discuss about technology. Read other Sagara articles here.