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What is digital literacy?

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Most assume digital literacy is just knowing how to use a smartphone and surf the Internet. While this is a big part of being digitally literate, it doesn’t capture the full scope of the term.  

Nowadays, not all information in the digital space can be trusted. AI-generated articles and security threats make it increasingly difficult to distinguish reliable information from false or misleading content. A lack of knowledge of how to verify its accuracy makes the situation even worse. 

But how can computer literacy safeguard users from disinformation and harmful actions? Let’s take a closer look at a digital literacy definition. 

What is digital literacy?

As technology changes, digital literacy meaning has changed from a one-dimensional concept; it is a must-have skill for everyone. It’s deeper than just knowing how to use your smartphone or other gadgets. The core idea is to apply critical thinking to the information you see online, knowing how to navigate and communicate over the Internet. 

Digital literacy serves as the first step to informational security. Despite recent advancements in AI cybersecurity, the ability to detect phishing attempts and analyse whether the information is trustworthy are the core skills behind staying safe online.  

Security concerns are a major reason organisations want to boost digital literacy. In Q3 2024, organisations faced an average of 1.876 cyberattacks per week. That’s a 15% increase from the previous quarter.

In a world where technology touches every aspect of our life, digital literacy is indispensable. It is key for personal and organisational security. It is also essential for personal growth and academic success. 

See also: Best practices of Software Security Development

How does digital literacy benefit people?

While digital literacy is a significant asset for businesses, it also brings valuable personal benefits to employees. Developing critical thinking skills can help in daily lives, here’s how.

Communication and problem-solving

Digital literacy helps users stay safe on email, video calls, and social media. It’s also helpful in spotting phishing attempts and approaching the information online with critical thinking. At the same time, being digitally literate helps communicate with colleagues, friends, and family. 

Knowing how to collaborate online and accessing trustworthy resources for information also boosts problem-solving skills, which leads to faster decision-making.

Efficiency and empowerment

According to the ResearchGate, digitally literate users demonstrate higher productivity. They also can learn and use new tools and technologies with ease. Everyday tasks like automating assignments, organising information or managing personal time are an easy walk when you know your tools well.  

Digital literacy empowers users to take control over their workflow, find solutions faster, and tackle challenging tasks with confidence.

Daily life and personal development

Digital literacy impacts everyday life as well. Critically evaluating information online helps avoid misinformation, which results in smarter decisions. It also saves time and effort with tasks such as paying bills or booking tickets. 

Troubleshooting becomes easier with digital literacy since it gives you the courage to tackle the issue on your own and even might aid you in finding the solution. Beyond its practical benefits, digital literacy fuels personal growth. It enables online learning, skill building, and curiosity.

Career readiness and civic participation

Nearly every job nowadays requires some level of digital skills. Most businesses use specific software or hardware that requires additional training, as well as methods of communication between departments.  

Beyond the workplace, digital literacy is essential for civic participation. It helps people stay informed and engage with their community in a digital world. Active participation in the community leads to improved quality of life since digital spaces help discuss and resolve potential local issues.  

See also: Web Development Security Checklist

How to learn digital literacy skills

Given the impact of digital literacy on businesses and employees, what is the introduction to digital literacy? 

In short, it goes beyond just showing someone how to use a device or app. It’s about guiding people to navigate the digital world, both effectively and responsibly. Here’s a couple tips on how to approach it.

Critical thinking and information evaluation 

Identifying malicious information is a must in today’s world. Recognising biases, evaluating sources, and finding credible information improves decision-making. 

However, it goes beyond just fact-checking what you see. Digital literacy fosters a mindset of questioning and pursuing the truth.  

The users should learn to spot misinformation and unreliable sources since it is vital for safely navigating digital spaces. Teaching critical thinking skills helps people make smart choices about online content.

Familiarity with digital tools and platforms 

The first step of becoming digitally literate is to get comfortable with the tools the user will use. Introduce them to their main platforms: email, social media, and cloud storage systems. It’s not just about clicking through the apps. The introduction explores every detail of the software

A clear explanation of digital tools will ensure efficient use for work or personal tasks. Understanding the apps’ capabilities opens new ways to approach everyday chores and helps to find the most comfortable and efficient course of action. 

Using various devices, such as smartphones and laptops, helps users rely on technology more.  

Digital responsibility and safety 

Teaching digital literacy involves understanding online etiquette, privacy issues, and safety measures. Users should be aware of the risks of sharing personal information.  

Sensitive data is under constant threat from malicious actors and must be protected. Using strong passwords and being mindful of the content you’re sharing are the first steps to protecting your personal data.  

Additionally, respectful communication and awareness of your digital footprint help with both social and workplace interactions.   

The awareness of potential threats, critical thinking skills, and digital responsibility keep users safe and help them use digital resources effectively. 

See also: AI in Cyber Security: Benefits and Use Cases 

To sum up 

Digital literacy has become a necessity over the last decades. Employers see the value of this skill since it boosts productivity and improves daily life.  

Learning digital literacy helps users safely navigate the Internet, improves decision-making and aids with daily tasks. It’s one of the most important skills nowadays. 

How Altamira can help you 

We know the value of security in our solutions, which is why, as your software development partner, we prioritise it in every process. Here’s what our Chief Technology Officer has to say.

Our employees undergo extensive training in security measures and the respective use of AI tools

A secure environment starts with digitally literate employees, so we put a lot of our effort into internal training. 

Contact us today and build secure software with us. 

FAQ

What is the meaning of digital literacy?

The meaning of digital literacy is the ability to use, understand, and create info with digital tech. It’s more than knowing how to use devices. It’s about using digital tools responsibly. Digital literacy means knowing how to communicate and solve problems. It also means navigating the web safely and effectively. 

What are the four pillars of digital literacy? 

The four key pillars of digital literacy are: 

  1. Technical proficiency – The ability to use digital tools, like software and apps, efficiently. 
  2. Information literacy — A way to find, evaluate, and understand the huge amount of information online. 
  3. Critical thinking Using logic and reasoning to evaluate digital content. Check its quality, reliability, and relevance. 
  4. Digital responsibility Know how to stay safe online. Understand privacy and act ethically when using digital tools and communicating. 

 

Get in touch to learn more about secure software development.

How is digital literacy used in everyday life?

Digital literacy is everywhere in everyday life. From personal activities like keeping in touch with our friends and families to everyday chores, such as paying bills or checking emails. It also serves as a crucial element in determining whether the information comes from trusted sources. Simply put, it’s a skill that makes modern life more manageable and connected. 

What are the disadvantages of digital literacy? 

There are a couple of downsides to digital literacy. The most spoken about is the digital divide. Those without tech or internet access may be at a disadvantage. Overusing digital tools can cause privacy issues and identity theft. It also reduces face-to-face socialising and opens the trap of misinformation if you’re not careful about evaluating sources. Digital literacy requires constant learning and vigilance to avoid these pitfalls. 

Contact us to learn more about how to solve the disadvantages of digital literacy.

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