Question 1.1 - The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship

The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship:

1. Digital Access:

Refers to the total electronic engagement of a society.

It’s important to note that many people have limited opportunities to do so and lack digital access. A primary aspect of Digital Citizenship is to strive towards equal digital rights and accessibility for all.

For example: America and Japan are countries in which citizens have considerable digital access.

Source: http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/nine-elements.html

2. Digital Commerce:

Refers to the use of the internet, mobile networks and commerce infrastructure to make sell or purchase goods and services.

For example: The use of Takealot, Bidorbuy, Amazon, Gumtree etc.

Source: https://www.gartner.com/it-glossary/digital-commerce

3. Digital Communication:

A form of communication whereby information or messages are converted into discrete signals by means of digital encoding, which are then delivered to recipients electronically.

For example: Sharing information to friends and family via Facebook.

Source:  https://www.quora.com/What-is-digital-communication

4. Digital literacy:

Refers to a person’s level of competency in using various digital platforms and mediums. A digitally literate person is capable of clearly communicating, evaluating and finding information solely by means of digital technology.

For example: Google Headquarters probably requires its workforce to consist primarily of digitally literate personnel.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_literacy

5. Digital Etiquette:

 Entails taking responsibility for one’s actions in a digital context, especially in terms of manners, conduct, integrity and self-management. It is also referred to as “netiquette”

For example: Exercising digital etiquette is of great importance when sending work-related emails.

Source: https://digitalnetiquetteproject.weebly.com/

6. Digital Law:

Comprises legislation regarding digital domains,extending direct impact on employees; students and organisations in their entirety. Digital law includes legal regulations on ethics, decisions and requirements.

For example: A person engaging in online businesses of trade are bound by the digital law.

Source: http://www.rockyview.ab.ca/21stC/supporting/websafety/digital-citizenship/nine-elements/digital-law

7. Digital Rights and Responsibilities:

Digital rights involve the right to freedom and access afforded to all digital citizens, whereas digital responsibilities entail the expected codes of conduct attached to these rights.

For example: in conjunction with the right of being able to access information on people digitally, comes the responsibility of not impinging on their privacy.

Source: http://areyouadigitalcitizen.weebly.com/digital-rights-and-responsibilities.html

8. Digital Health and Wellness:

Involves the maintenance and consideration of one’s physical and mental health in a technologically-driven lifestyle. Overuse and abuse of technology can often be detrimental to a person’s well-being, and must therefore be kept in moderation.

For example: eye-safety, epilepsy warnings, taking regular breaks etc.

Source: https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/digital-citizenship/home/health-and-wellness

9. Digital Security:

An umbrella concept covering all methods of protecting one’s identity, possessions and personal data in a digital context.

For example: passwords and antiviruses.

Source: https://www.justaskgemalto.com/en/what-is-digital-security/