Digital Literacies and My Identities

Hello, citizen of the net! It's nice to see you again. Today is my first English lesson on 11th grade so here I'll be talking about the first chapter of our book. 

Our teacher threw this trigger question: "What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase 'digital literacy'?" In my opinion, I see digital literacy as one's ability to find, use, create, and evaluate information using information and communication technology by reading, writing, and listening. It's a combination of other soft skills as well, like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. This kind of ability has so many benefits, such as to gain wider knowledge, increase online safety, improves social skills. 

Digital literacies can influence our online identities, whether as an individual or as a group. The knowledge and skills about personal data can prevent us from being hacked, because we know what kind of passwords should we use for our account, how to keep our passwords, which website isn't safe, etc. We will also be aware of what digital footprint is, so we know when we need and when we don't need to share our identities online. For example, we share our full name and institution when we apply for college on a website. 

Real life identities can also be influenced by digital literacies. With the help of technology, I get to know myself better, but there was a phase where I was kind of losing myself. For example, I learned about MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) and finally have an idea that I'm an INTP. But with the existence of social media, I began to hate myself for not having what my friends have every time I see the pictures or videos of them living their best life, like winning a competition or having a vacation abroad. In my case, digital literacy is important to sort the information we receive. What is the point of seeing other people's life when I haven't done the best for mine yet? Besides, God created people unique, each with their own special talents and abilities. So, instead of focusing on others', I better use the internet to discover and develop my dexterity. Then, I can build myself more, block by block, until it becomes my identity, something I'm proud of. 

Here's a message for each of us. It's a part of digital literacy.

Before we receive or spread information, THINK! 

T - Is it TRUE?

H - Is it HELPFUL?

I - Is it INSPIRING?

N - Is it NECESSARY?

K - Is it KIND?