Most of the people think that digital literacy involves complex technical capabilities such as coding and programming and involves structural knowledge and skills. But it’s actually a small skill set which is essential for access and gaining information. Digital literacy for the public includes a small range of skills and it varies according to the day-to-day responsibilities. Skills differ for a normal worker to financial consultant. Within the next five years, it is predicted 90 per cent of the workforce will require at least common computer working skills, such as browsing the internet, using email or company software within 2 years. Over 50- 60 per cent must have the ability to use or configure and even create digital systems.
A digital citizen is a term which often refers to any person who has good knowledge and appropriate skills to effectively use digital media and technologies to communicate with others, participate in a social environment and society. Digital citizenship is all about attitude and confidence resulting in the positive engagement with digital technologies. By educating people, employees and students about digital citizenship, they will have the wonderful chance to develop an understanding about the following concepts like digital and information literacy, internet safety, privacy and security, hacking, unethical hacking cyber bullying, relationships, etiquette and communication, creative credit and copyright. Gaining digital citizenship lead to the acceptance and upholding of the norms of appropriate, mature and responsible behavior while using digital tools and technologies. This will eventually lead involves using digital technologies effectively and not misusing them to exploit others.
Though digital world has invaded the mental and even the encroaching the emotional space, it offers tremendous benefits to us all. It provides the greatest platforms that allow us to connect and collaborate with several million people around the world. It opens up opportunities to learn about new and important issues, and it empowers innovation in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. With such a powerful medium, the digital literacy is the need of the hour for our safe navigation.
