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Writer's pictureChelsea Liz

Born Digital: Digital Citizenship, Civic Engagement, & Ethics

Digital Citizenship and Civic Engagement

As the net gen grows up and becomes more active members of society, the digital world plays an increasingly important role in their civic engagement. They have access to a wealth of information about social and political issues, and they are often more informed and engaged than previous generations. They use digital platforms to mobilize around issues that matter to them, such as climate change, gun control, and social justice. Social media has become a powerful tool for organizing protests and other forms of civic action.

At the same time, the digital world also presents unique challenges for digital citizenship. Online hate speech, fake news, and other forms of online harassment can undermine the democratic process and create a hostile online environment. Digital natives must learn to navigate these challenges and develop the skills necessary to engage in civil discourse and online activism.


Moreover, we must be aware of the potential consequences of their online behavior. Digital footprints can have long-lasting effects on future employment opportunities and other aspects of life. Young people must learn to be responsible digital citizens, respecting the rights and privacy of others and promoting positive social values online.


As a twitch streamer, you have a unique platform to engage in digital citizenship and civic engagement. By using your voice and influence to promote positive change in your community and beyond, you can make a meaningful impact. Use your platform to raise awareness about important issues: You have a large audience that trusts and respects you. Use this platform to raise awareness about important issues and causes that you care about. Share information, resources, and ways for your audience to get involved. Also, by engaging with digital platforms and technologies in a responsible and ethical manner, we have the potential to create positive change and shape the world around us. It is up to us to provide support and guidance as we navigate the challenges of digital citizenship and help us become responsible and engaged members of society.

  • Get involved in community initiatives: Participate in community initiatives and events that promote positive change. Whether it's organizing a charity stream or volunteering at a local event, getting involved in your community is a great way to make a difference.

  • Remember, digital citizenship and civic engagement are not just about making a one-time impact. It's about using your platform to inspire and encourage others to get involved and make a lasting change. So, use your voice for good, and inspire others to do the same.


The Ethics of the Digital World

The digital world has fundamentally transformed the way we live, work, and interact with each other. It has created new opportunities for innovation and progress, but it has also created new forms of inequality and exploitation. Issues such as digital privacy, data security, and the gig economy raise important ethical questions about the digital world and the ways in which it is shaping our lives.

As we navigate the digital world, it's becoming increasingly clear that a small number of corporations hold immense power over our personal data and online interactions. The ethical implications of this concentration of power are vast and concerning. As digital ethics become increasingly relevant, one of the most pressing concerns is the loss of privacy in the face of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Our personal data is being collected, analyzed, and exploited on a massive scale, creating new ethical dilemmas and leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, the use of algorithms to make decisions with far-reaching consequences for individuals and society is raising significant ethical questions about who gets to decide our digital fate. In today's digital age, the rise of the gig economy and the emergence of digital creators have transformed the way we work and interact with each other. The gig economy has created new opportunities for individuals to work on a flexible schedule and earn income from a variety of sources. Digital creators, such as Twitch streamers and YouTubers, have leveraged social media and other digital platforms to create a career out of their passion for gaming and content creation. However, this new landscape has also raised important ethical questions. The gig economy has created a new class of workers who lack the traditional protections and benefits afforded to full-time employees. Many gig economy workers are classified as independent contractors, leaving them without access to healthcare, retirement plans, and other basic benefits. Digital creators also face challenges such as the pressure to constantly create content and the risk of burnout. The lack of traditional employer-employee relationships in the gig economy has made it difficult for workers to access basic benefits and protections that are afforded to traditional employees. As a result, gig economy workers are often left vulnerable to economic and personal instability, particularly in the face of unexpected events such as illnesses or natural disasters. It is crucial to look into the repercussions that the gig economy and digital create culture have on ethical standards. We must strive for a society guided by morals and technology used for equality for all instead of used to exploit individuals empowering those in positions of authority.


At the same time, the digital world also presents opportunities for social and environmental activism, as well as innovative approaches to addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality. It is essential that we explore the ethical dimensions of these opportunities and strive to create a digital world that is just, equitable, and sustainable.


  • Practice responsible digital citizenship: Be aware of your digital behaviors and the impact they have on others. Foster a culture of responsible digital citizenship by engaging in respectful online discourse and supporting positive digital initiatives.

  • Educate others: Share your knowledge and insights with others to help raise awareness and promote ethical practices in the digital world. Be a responsible digital citizen by sharing reliable and accurate information and helping to combat misinformation and harmful online behaviors.

In conclusion, the ethical implications of the digital world and the challenges of creating a just and equitable digital society. By exploring the complex ethical questions raised by the digital world, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which technology is shaping our lives and work towards a more just and sustainable future. It is up to us to prioritize ethical considerations and work towards a digital world that benefits everyone, not just a select few. Here is a sociological portrait of the first generation of people born into and raised in the digital world! Written by a Millennial. Through exploring a broad range of issues - from privacy concerns and information overload to civic engagement and the ethics of the digital world - leading internet and technology experts John Palfrey and Urs Gasser provide a comprehensive guide for parents, educators, and anyone looking to understand and shape the digital present and future.

While the digital world presents unique challenges and ethical questions, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, progress, and social change. By prioritizing digital citizenship, responsible use of technology, and ethical considerations, we can create a positive and empowering digital world for future generations.

As we continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the digital world, it is essential that we prioritize understanding, empathy, and education.

Resources:

  • "Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives" by John Palfrey and Urs Gasser

  • "The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains" by Nicholas Carr

  • "Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism" by Safiya Umoja Noble

  • "Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy" by Cathy O'Neil

  • "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World" by Cal Newport

  • "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power" by Shoshana Zuboff

  • "Hacking the Future: Privacy, Identity, and Anonymity on the Web" by Cole Stryker

  • "The Circle" by Dave Eggers (a fictional exploration of the consequences of a hyperconnected world)

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