What Are the Significances of Digital Literacy In Modern Times

What Is Digital Literacy: The Significance of Digital Literacy In Modern Times

In the contemporary world, digital literacy is not just a luxury rather it is more of a need. There will be numerous occasions when you will feel the need to navigate and use the various facilities extended by the online world. What do you do in the absence of skills required to essentially access digital platforms? Be it smartphones, computers, or for that matter internet, if you do not even have the working knowledge of all these devices or technology then you are in for some serious problems. You may not be an expert, but the basic knowledge to maneuver these devices is also regarded as beneficial. This brings us to one of the most pertinent questions. What is digital literacy and why it is so very important in the modern world? In fact, this is the topic or question we will look into in this article. Furthermore, we will also explore the need for this form of literacy and how it impacts us.

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The skills to effectively use digital technologies like computers, smartphones, or the internet for various purposes to access information or evaluate something using digital skills, be it personal or official in nature can be construed as digital literacy. Digital technologies or digital platforms can be accessed and effectively used in case you possess the skills required for the same. Does it mean every person is digitally literate? No. A large chunk of the population must be extended digital literacy. A lot of Government agencies and private parties across India are working on this mission. The digital literacy rate has improved over the years still lot needs to be done. People living in far-flung areas or remote locations are yet to come to terms with this form of literacy. This form of literacy is important because we can get things done more conveniently and usually these technologies are not very time-consuming or complex.

What Are The Importance of Digital Literacy In The Modern World?

The digital platform enables us to solve problems independently and helps the student community to access information easily. It is a technology-supported environment that can be used more effectively by a digital literate. Nothing can undermine the significance of digital literacy. You can quote some negative elements of digital literacy yet it is beneficial, to say the least. It comes in handy while searching for employment since online advertisement can be accessed, beneficial for the student community, as they can go for ebooks, a good source of sharing and obtaining information, and keeps you connected by e-mails, etc. Digital literacy improves education, increases productivity and better career opportunities can be seized by a digitally literate person.

Digital technology must be used, but by being aware and alert you can thwart any unwanted situation, as it exposes us to situations where a minor unknown mistake from our end could cost us dearly, especially the breach of privacy.  Private information may get exposed, if we don't exercise caution. The information accessed from online sources may be susceptible or may not be extremely credible. The credibility of such information can be questioned in some cases at least. Inappropriate content can have a negative impact on people of impressionable age. The video game is addictive in nature so it can lead to wastage of time for students, especially if they get hooked to it. Theft of personal data cannot be ruled out, if enough precautions are not taken by the user, it could lead to bullying, you can end up consuming false information, and may make certain decisions based on such wrong information.

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Digital literacy is the need of the hour, but it comes with certain risk elements or negative aspects. One can cast serious aspersions on it, but you are more at risk when you are less vigilant. If you are awake and follow the safety recommendations or prescribed rules then the digital world is pretty safe. Follow the do's and don'ts and stick to the rule book, you and your information are safe enough. It is not very easy to hoodwink somebody into disclosing something by offering them some incentive, especially when the user or concerned person is unaware.

Conclusion 

Certain challenges are looming when we take a look at digital literacy. Accessibility issues are being faced by some people in certain pockets, there is a need to bridge the gap between people who can and who can't conveniently use digital technologies, online safety concern makes people fearful as well and a lack of digital skills may jeopardize people. Still, we have to recognize that digital literacy is extremely important in the contemporary world so it should spread around. All possible measures to increase the rate of digital literacy must be taken including having digital literacy programs, imparting free-of-cost training, online safety education, etc. We must welcome all to reap the benefits of the digital world by creating the right conducive environment. 

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