DIGITAL DIOLOUGE

According to Pazurek & Feyissa, the digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who don't. It's significant because it can worsen existing social and economic inequalities and create a second-level digital divide based on differences in digital skills. Addressing the digital divide is crucial for promoting equity and inclusivity in society.

On the other hand, as Radovanovic explains, digital equity refers to the fair distribution of digital technologies, skills, and resources to all individuals and communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location. It differs from the digital divide in that it aims to promote equal access and opportunities for everyone to benefit from technology, rather than just closing the gap between those who have access and those who don't. Digital equity is important because it recognizes that access to technology alone is not enough. In order for people to fully benefit from technology, they need to have the skills and resources necessary to use it effectively. By promoting digital equity, we can ensure that everyone has access to the tools and knowledge they need to participate fully in a digital society.

According to EdWeb Digital citizenship refers to the knowledge and understanding of not only how to navigate the online world but also how to practice safety while doing so. Often when we consider how to be safe online, the first thought that comes to mind is to educate ourselves on how to interact with certain apps and websites as although they share similar features they each have key features that act as different online cues. This is often when the discussion of digital literacy comes into play. As more now than ever people are aware that they should be tuned in to what they are posting. Most kids are naturally digitally literate as these are tools that they grew up using to communicate. But being digitally literate is defined by whether or not an individual has the skill to navigate the online sphere. And does not emphasize safety as an aspect of online activities. This is how digital citizenship differs, because there is a strong push for staying safe online in all its elements. Which is important because “...it is essential for students of all ages to be able to make smart choices online and in life.” (EdWeb) As digital citizenship.net notes that there are various aspects of the internet we engage with without thinking twice. And for the safety of everybody it is important to be knowledgeable and take responsibility when using the internet. For example digital commerce or buying things online can lead to information leaks. Additionally there are concerns with cyberbullying, sexting, fake news, and digital well-being overall.

So, how can it be supported or fostered for adult learners? And what role do educators play? First and foremost I think the first step is to make others aware that there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes of online use than just entertainment and virtually shopping. The truth is, no matter how digitally literate you are you could always be more safe online. I think that educators have a huge role to play in this because we see online tools and learning methods being used more fluently in the classroom due to COVID-19. They have an opportunity to introduce fundamental safety guidelines while also allowing them to increase their skills. To assist educators in this, websites  Common Sense provide a curriculum to help with this! For all different grade levels.

What is culture theory? And how does it have to do with how we interact online? In Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century theory as discussed, Jenkins discusses defines a participatory culture as a “culture with relatively low barriers to artistic expression and civic engagement, strong support for creating and sharing one’s creations, and some type of informal mentorship whereby what is known by the most experienced is passed along to novices. (3)” Now as individualistic as you consider yourself to be it’s likely that you have still engaged in participatory culture at some point in your life. Whether it be through problem solving, group work, or through affiliations. Meaning your personal interest, the blogs you follow, the online communities that you personally choose to subscribe to. 

In his Ted talk, Jenkins also shares that today the number of American teens that have produced media and half of those have shared it with an audience beyond their family and friends. (TEDx Henry Jenkins 4:19) This is a very telling statistic as he points out that the percentage of teens used to be 58%. So not only is there a shift in how and who is communicating. But it also shows that more and more young people are participating in society. For this reason, culture theory relates to social media more than ever before. Especially, for younger generations as everybody on the internet gets to explore their interests and virtual worlds. For younger generations this has been normalized to communicate and expand curiosities, so it is important to have a mentor figure as Jenkins mentions in work to allow for participation within a safe environment. 

Research from Common Sense Media and the Pew Research Center reveal that although most individuals have negative feelings towards social media apps nonetheless seven out of every ten Americans continue to use them. Additionally, there is quite a division in which apps are being used based on age demographics. For example, the reports found that most adults use apps such as Facebook and YouTube. A large reason adults have negative attitudes towards social media is due to the amount of time that their children are spending on it.

As you can imagine for those who have grown up using apps such as Instagram, snapchat and now tik-Tok. Today’s young adults and teens live in a world where they heavily rely on social media platforms for connecting, work and school. Some of the experiences shared by teens show that relationship with social media is complicated and often confusing. One even stating “I have been emotionally affected by social media, maybe even depressed. But it’s hard to say what causes what sometimes” (Common Sense Vid) Revealing the complicated exchange between social media use and mental health symptoms. As reports show that increased social platform use is strongly correlated to feelings of anxiety. Additionally, even teens agree that social media use is distracting, with 57% teens willing to admit that they often get distracted on their phones while doing homework. But if teens and adults have such negative feelings towards social media apps, why do they continue to use them?

Because on the other hand, if you’re having a bad day you can scroll through your curated feed and soon, you’ll be scrolling onto something that will have you laughing. Or maybe you just need vent to your best friend about your day. Social media allows us to be connected 24/7 and for a lot of people it helps them feel less alone. As it is something that is always changing and updating with thousands of people engaging in social media platforms there is this push to stay clued in and on trend, which explains why people continue to use it and use it often. Additionally, social media can be a place for people to come together and feel connected over a shared interest or to express yourself creatively.