Introduction
This week in EDCI 136, we explored the ideas of digital citizenship and digital literacy frameworks—two topics that are becoming more relevant as we rely more on technology in our daily lives. The discussions, along with the videos we watched, made me think more deeply about my own digital identity and how much trust I place in the online world.
Before this, I hadn’t given much thought to what it really means to be a responsible digital citizen beyond just avoiding bad behavior online. But as I learned more, I realized that digital citizenship is about more than just how we act it’s about the way we interact with information, protect our personal data, and think critically about the digital world around us.
Key Takeaways
The Value of Digital Identity
One of the videos we watched, “The Value of Digital Identity”, highlighted how digital identities are becoming a big part of how we interact with businesses, governments, and even each other. A few things stood out to me:
• Access & Inclusion: Digital identities can help people—especially those in underserved communities—gain access to essential services like banking and healthcare. This made me realize how much I take my digital access for granted.
• Privacy & Security Risks: The more our identities exist online, the more we need to think about protecting them. I don’t always read privacy policies or think about how my data is being used, but this made me want to be more aware.
• Collaboration is Key: Digital identity isn’t just a personal thing—it’s a global issue. Governments, businesses, and users all play a role in shaping how digital identity works, and it’s important that it’s done ethically.
Personal Reflection
I never really thought about digital identity beyond logging into websites or using my social media accounts. But this week made me realize that it’s a much bigger deal. My digital footprint affects everything from how I’m perceived online to how much control I have over my personal information.
One thing that really made me think was how much I trust online platforms without question. I usually just accept cookies on websites without reading what they do, and I’ve signed up for services without really knowing where my data is going. After this week, I want to be more intentional about my online presence.
Another thing that stood out was how important digital literacy is in today’s world. It’s not just about knowing how to use technology—it’s about knowing how to navigate it safely, responsibly, and critically.
How I Plan to Apply This Knowledge
After this week’s discussions and videos, I want to make a few changes:
✅ Be more mindful of privacy settings – I’ll take time to actually review privacy options on the platforms I use and limit how much data I share.
✅ Think critically about the sources I trust – Just because something looks professional doesn’t mean it’s credible. I’ll be more cautious about misinformation.
✅ Learn more about digital ethics – Technology is growing fast, and I want to stay informed about the ethical discussions around AI, digital rights, and data privacy.
Final Thoughts
This week’s topic made me think more deeply about my digital footprint and the responsibility that comes with being online. Being a good digital citizen isn’t just about avoiding cyberbullying or being polite—it’s also about protecting your data, thinking critically, and making informed choices about the technology we use every day.