Shifts and trends that may impact on digital citizens

Video Did You Know 4.0 (created by xplanevisualthinking Sept 14, 2009)

Information policy does not exist in a vacuum, therefore ‘shifts’ in information technology and its use impact not just on information policy, but budgetary, human resources, data security and many other business related policies within organisations.

I have chosen to highlight the following ‘shifts’ and trends taken from Did you know 4.0:  

1. Inequality in information access using mobile devices.
   
   Take up in industrialised countries has been phenomenal, with ready access for most to sufficient bandwidth and wireless and mobile connectivity. However, many developing countries cannot boast similar communications infrastructure, leaving them behind in the race for information and knowledge. In a global economy, information is essential to economic growth and improved standards of living. This phenomenon is referred to widely as the ‘digital divide’. A cohesive International and national approach to policy development is required to tackle this inequality.


2. Users as creators.
   
   With the introduction of Web 2.0 tools, online interactions are no longer one way (pushing information to consumers), but rather the consumer is now also a creator of content, adding value to information through tagging, commenting, liking, writing blog posts, uploading video to YouTube, photos to Flickr, presentations to Slideshare, and so on. Participatory and collaborative environments come with significant responsibilities in relation to the content generated; its appropriateness, accuracy, currency and level of interest, which provides considerable risk to an organisation’s brand if managed poorly. This is a major driver for policy development.
   


3. Teens and IM (instant messaging)
   
   As testament to how rapidly the information landscape is changing, it would appear that IM (as reported in the video in 2009) is no longer as ‘trendy’ a communication method used by teens as the new kid on the block, texting. Note: IM is a computer-based activity,  while texting is done using mobile phones. According to Lenhart’s (2012) study, 63% of teens surveyed are using text to communicate with others every day compared to 22% using instant messaging. It would seem from this study that landlines and email are even less favoured by teens. The personal nature of mobile phones (on body, always on, always available for use) makes policies for use of mobiles in schools very important.


4. Inappropriate use of social media
   
   All too frequently we hear news reports regarding cyber-bullying leading to tragedy. Whilst this is a legal issue, policy can help in awareness raising and education around appropriate behaviour. It is everyone’s responsibility to be respectful of others, behave responsibly, be safe, protect yourself, and behave ethically online.


5. Leading on from number 4, is the rise of hackers and spammers
   
   Unlawful activities online are increasing even though security systems are more sophisticated and seemingly robust. Security breaches place personal, private and sensitive data at risk. This is happening all too often, with some high profile companies falling prey to such activity (Bindra, 2012; Santo, 2012; Perkins,2012). Why does something so useful for “good” attract the basest amongst us for “malicious” purposes? This behaviour has given rise to information security strategies and policies, which have little effect on the activity, but do raise awareness around the issues. Hopefully promoting greater vigilance in personal online security. 

Bindra, A. (2012, December 06). Understanding the legal implications of bring your own device. Bring Your Own Device. Retrieved January 19, 2013, from http://bring-your-own-device.tmcnet.com/articles/318795-understanding-legal-implications-bring-own-device.htm

Lenhart, A. (2012, March 19). Texting dominates teens' general communication choices.Teens, Smartphones & Texting Choices. Retrieved January 19, 2013, from http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Teens-and-smartphones/Communication-choices/Texting-dominates-teens-general-communication-choices.aspx

Perkins, N. (2012, October 13). The implications of rising mobile subscriptions worldwide. Business 2 Community The Implications of Rising Mobile Subscriptions Worldwide Comments. Retrieved January 19, 2013, from http://www.business2community.com/mobile-apps/the-implications-of-rising-mobile-subscriptions-worldwide-0305828

Santo, B. (2012, September 28). Hacking on the rise. CED Magazine - Communications, Engineering and Design Magazine. Retrieved January 19, 2013, from http://www.cedmagazine.com/articles/2012/09/hacking-on-the-rise