Digital Literacy

The rapid and continual development of information technology, including social media, has transformed almost every aspect of everyday life. Society is now frequently referred to as ‘the digital age’, where technology is at the forefront and shapes how we communicate and behave.

Everyday activities increasingly require interaction with technology and consequently many people believe that digital skills are no longer just desired, but in fact are a necessary life skill.  Many argue that in order to become digitally included in society, 'digital literacy' is necessary so that individuals have the knowledge and skills to understand and use information technology💻. According to Gilster (1997) digital literacy can be defined as ‘the ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers'📄. In other words, it relates to being able to make sense of the internet and the online world.  

Citizens have become technology-dependent in the 21^st century, with people utilising technologies to

allow them to lead more fulfilled lives. In the age of social media, society has become highly digitalised in a manner which promotes the use of technology in our everyday lives.📱

Could we get by without being digitally literate?
I think as the years progress and as technology becomes more and more advanced, it will be increasingly difficult for individuals to neglect and ignore digital life.