Final Portfolio Reflection
A major theme in all of my studies this semester has been the role technology plays in our everyday lives. While my focus was on the impact technology has on child development, and how our dependency on screens is affecting every aspect of our daily lives, this research prompted me to reevaluate my own tech habits and daily usage. As a Digital Communications major, Web 2.0 practices and online interactions in general are the forefront of my course work. I spend most of the day learning how to create digital content that will draw tech users in and encourage engagement. The infinite information and connections available because of the internet provides limitless possibilities, but if we as content creators don’t closely monitor what we’re putting out there the consequences could be immeasurable.
With this great access to information also comes a great access to misinformation. And while many teachers incorporate digital literacy into their curriculum, the concept of safe web practices could easily be its own class. My high school required all first-year students to take a digital citizenship seminar — taught by the school’s director of online communication, the course detailed how to identify reliable sources, how quickly a social media post can spread, and the importance of maintaining online privacy. The necessary practices are really quite easy, especially in terms of social media usage, but these practices are often overlooked.
All of my blog posts and longer form writing assignments, both for this class and others, include the pro-con discussion of technology. With the use of technology, the possible connections we can make are endless. However, these connections can be both beneficial in the sense of connecting with potential employers, discovering new research, anything of the sort. But these connections can also be quite dangerous if users aren’t able to identify a spam, or unsafe interaction, as well as fall into the trap of misinformation. This concept also plays into the risks of consuming social media content — the platforms can be a great way to share memories with friends and family but can also be quite harmful to one’s mental health to constantly be consuming heavily altered influencer content.
I think a super noticeable shift in our online behavior can be seen in the form of cyberbully, as well as arguing in public forums. These are two very different issues, both stem from the same concept of the supposed anonymity of posting online. Because we can hide behind our screens, people are no longer afraid to say cruel and hurtful things. Because it’s online there’s no immediate consequence, and our screens inhibit the ability to feel a sense of empathy toward the other involved parties. Screens have made it so easy for users to engage in arguments and exchanging hurtful words and call outs. Because all of our news comes from online, the algorithms use this as an excuse to allow our preferred news sources to take over our social media feeds. We’ve all seen out Boomer family members getting into political arguments with strangers in the Facebook comment section, it’s embarrassing to think that as a society we see nothing wrong with this. In short, our tech habits have completely changed how we interact with one another.
So, the big question seems to be: how do we combat this change? How do we as writers work to publish only beneficial information that will help the public? There’s no perfect solution. People are set in their ways, and likely unwilling to change based on what the younger generations are telling them is right. But even so, I think it’s vital for public writers, or anyone with an online presence for that matter, to first assess their own online habits, and work to demonstrate only a healthy relationship with technology. With the majority of our information gathering happening online, it’s essential for public writers to demonstrate a sense of decorum, as well as preach the importance of looking to reliable sources.
The general public relies on digital writers to guide their online lives. In turn, digital writers carry the responsibility of teaching the importance of digital citizenships. Writers now face the burden of producing informative and engaging content, but also promoting the importance of ethical online behavior. This can include critical thinking, responsible engagement, and writing to inform. Writers are responsible for creating a respectful, and more inclusive online environment. By encouraging people to educate themselves on the importance of digital citizen, and practicing healthy online habits and consumption, writers can create a constructive online environment.
As seen through many of the texts examined throughout this semester, be that the source verification methods shown in the Check Please lessons, the overall digital literacy tips throughout the Jones and Hafner readings, it’s clear to see the value of digital competency. Digital writers and communicators should be stressing the importance of reading like these not only to other writers, but to everyone that regularly uses the internet.
In a world in which technology dictates our every move, why are digital literacy courses not required? It is now more important than ever to understand safe and practical digital navigation strategies, as our reliance on technology is only growing. Courses like this are increasingly essential in our technology-driven society. As our reliance on tech products increases, so does the importance of understanding digital navigation strategies. Readings like those we’ve examined this semester provide the necessary skills to safely navigate the online world, and work to help individuals safeguard their online privacy. All in all, through continued digital coursework, and online advocacy, we can create a safer online world, and properly equip individuals to navigate both the challenges and opportunities that this digital landscape can present.
