Nowadays more and more people, more and more governments talk about digital citizenship.
But what exactly is digital citizenship and why is everybody interested in this? Well, digital citizenship is the ability citizens of today should have to use technology in a safe and responsible way. It means to be active and respectful in digital environments.
It is true that we all live in a digital world today no matter how old we are. Students, teachers, children, parents even grandparents, people of all ages use smartphones, play computer games, have online communication. Everybody interacts in a digital world. So, it is extremely important for us to know that whatever we do in this digital world affects ourselves and everybody. Our actions in the online world can have a real impact. We all have a role to play as digital citizens and it is important that we remember a few things as citizens of today.
Firstly, there is a real person behind every screen so be polite, be a human being. Secondly, we should use digital tools to connect only with friends, family and people we know. In addition, we have to check our sources before we share information and respect people’s privacy and of course our own.
Last but not least, we have to remember the Golden Rule for everything: treat others as you want to be treated.
All in all, everyone should have in mind 3 words when using technology: respect, educate, protect. Using technology is not an easy skill. To paraphrase Tassos Livaditis, a Greek poet
if you want to be called a Man,
you will never stop fighting for responsibility and ethics in digital world
not for a single moment.
Vassiliki Karalioti
Anastasia Micheli
