Page 80 - digitalliteracy
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Introduction:
What Are Your Responsibilities Online?
The digital world hosts a seemingly infinite number of possibilities and opportunities. People
from all over the world go online to seek information, take classes, conduct business, shop,
socialize, and even inspire social change. When you use a computer, smartphone, tablet, or
other online device, you become a member of this digital community.
As in any community, citizens have both
rights and responsibilities. Our society
permits us to have freedom of speech,
assemble with other people, and pursue
activities that make us happy. However,
with these rights come responsibilities
to obey the law, respect our neighbors,
refrain from littering, and participate
in community activities such as Neigh-
borhood Watch or cleanup days to keep
our community safe and pleasant. Good
community citizens accept their respon-
sibility to help keep the community safe
and beneficial for all its members.
Like most societies, the digital commu-
nity has certain rules of etiquette and
good citizenship. The information in the
following sections outlines your rights Lesia_G/iStock/Thinkstock
and responsibilities as you navigate the Being part of a digital community means know-
online world and gives you the knowl- ing and following the rules of etiquette and good
edge and skills to participate responsibly citizenship.
in this online society.
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