Improving Digital Literacy

Digital literacy refers to the ability to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information through digital technologies. Digital literacy is increasingly crucial for protecting democracy in our interconnected world. In the context of protecting democracy, it’s particularly focused on:

1. Information evaluation:
   • Identifying credible sources vs. unreliable ones.
   • Understanding how search algorithms work and can be biased.
   • Recognizing sponsored content and native advertising.
2. Spotting misinformation and disinformation:
   • Recognizing common tactics used in fake news.
   • Understanding how deepfakes and AI-generated content work.
   • Identifying bot accounts and coordinated inauthentic behavior on social media.
3. Understanding data privacy and security:
   • Protecting personal information online.
   • Recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats.
   • Understanding how personal data can be used for political targeting.
4. Media creation and sharing:
   • Creating and sharing content responsibly.
   • Understanding the potential reach and impact of social media posts.
   • Being aware of copyright laws and fair use.
5. Critical thinking in the digital space:
   • Questioning the motivations behind online content.
   • Recognizing emotional manipulation in digital media.
   • Understanding filter bubbles and echo chambers.

To improve digital literacy:

1. Education: Support digital literacy programs in schools and communities.
2. Fact-checking: Familiarize yourself with fact-checking websites and teach others how to use them.
3. Media diversity: Encourage consumption of diverse media sources to get a balanced perspective.
4. Tech awareness: Stay informed about emerging technologies and their potential impacts on democracy.
5. Online etiquette: Promote responsible online behavior and civil discourse.
6. Platform knowledge: Understand how different social media platforms work, including their algorithms and content moderation policies.
7. Data rights: Learn about data protection laws and advocate for strong privacy regulations.
8. Cybersecurity practices: Adopt and promote good cybersecurity habits, like using a password manager, strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

By improving digital literacy, individuals can better navigate the complex online information landscape, make informed decisions, and contribute to a healthier democratic discourse.

Author: Dirk Huizenga

Founder of Denver Center for Democracy. View all posts by Dirk Huizenga