Digital Media Literacy: Need of the hour

Ashutosh Roy

(ashutosh.roy.23@gmail.com)

In recent years, social media has become an integral part of daily life for many people around the world. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have made it easier than ever to share information and connect with others.

However, the rise of social media has also led to a proliferation of misinformation or false information that is spread intentionally or unintentionally. Misinformation on social media can have serious consequences. It can cause confusion, fear, and even harm. For example, false medical advice shared on social media can lead to people putting their health at risk, and misinformation about political issues can lead to the spread of hate speech and violence. One of the primary reasons for the spread of misinformation on social media is the ease with which information can be shared. Social media platforms have made it simple for anyone to post information, regardless of its accuracy. This can result in the rapid spread of false information, especially when it is shared by a large number of people.

So, what is digital media literacy? In simple terms, it is the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, create, and communicate digital media content. It means considering the technical, cultural, and societal aspects of digital media as well as being able to use digital tools and platforms to create, share, and consume digital media. It also includes the ability to critically evaluate digital media and distinguish between credible and untrustworthy sources of information.

Hence, digital media literacy has become essential in today's world, particularly in India, where digital technology adoption is increasing. India is a key player in the global digital landscape, with a population of over 1.3 billion people and a rapidly growing economy. Moreover, in order for the country to fully reap the benefits of the digital revolution, its citizens must develop a solid foundation in digital media literacy.

The rapid growth of the internet and social media usage in India is the primary reason for the need for digital media literacy. However, not all information on the internet is accurate or trustworthy. As a result, social media platforms have become a breeding ground for misinformation and fake news.

Assam's 2018 mob lynching case Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Das is one of the prime examples that happened as a result of the spread of misinformation via the well-known messaging app WhatsApp. Thus, the need of the hour is that Individuals must be able to distinguish between reputable sources and fake news in a country like India, where the spread of disinformation can have catastrophic implications. Individuals with digital media literacy are able to critically analyse the information they find on social media and make informed judgments.

Another argument for the need for social media digital media literacy in India is the protection of personal privacy and security. Social media platforms collect and keep enormous amounts of personal information about their users. Without digital media literacy, individuals may not be aware of the extent to which their personal data is being collected and shared, and they may not know how to protect their personal information from cyber threats such as hacking and identity theft. According to the Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India registered 12.67 lakh cybercrime reports in 2022, while Assam registered, 1,781 cybercrime cases reported in the same year, which raises the question of internet users for their safety and privacy.

Whereas, the need for digital media literacy in India is the increasing use of digital technology in the workforce. With the fourth industrial revolution upon us, the use of technology in various industries is increasing rapidly. Employers are looking for individuals who have the ability to navigate digital platforms and use technology to solve problems, create and analyse data, and communicate effectively. Without digital media literacy, individuals may find themselves at a disadvantage in the job market.

The Indian government has recognized the importance of digital media literacy and has taken steps to promote it. The government has launched several initiatives such as the Digital India campaign and the National Digital Literacy Mission to promote digital literacy and bridge the digital divide. These initiatives aim to provide citizens with access to information and communication technology and to enhance their digital literacy skills. However, there still needs to be more resources and experience required to deliver complete digital media literacy education, particularly on social media.

Nonetheless, despite these efforts, digital media literacy remains a challenge in India. A major reason for this is the lack of access to digital technology and the internet in rural and remote areas of the country. According to the World Bank, only 31% of the population in India has access to the internet. This digital divide exacerbates the problem of digital media literacy as individuals in rural areas are less likely to have access to the resources and training needed to develop digital media literacy skills.

Another challenge is the lack of digital media literacy education in schools and universities. While the government has introduced digital literacy courses in schools, these courses often lack the resources and expertise needed to provide comprehensive digital media literacy education. Additionally, the curriculum of these courses often focuses on basic computer skills, rather than giving a comprehensive understanding of digital media literacy.

In the context of the northeastern states of India, the lack of access to digital technology and the internet in remote and rural areas exacerbates the problem of digital media literacy. According to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India, only about 30% of the population in the region has access to the internet. This digital divide hinders the development of digital media literacy skills among the people in these areas.

In conclusion, digital media literacy is an essential skill in today's digital age, and it is especially important in India where the adoption of digital technology is on the rise. It allows individuals to make informed decisions, protect themselves from cyber threats, and thrive in a professional environment. However, the lack of access to digital technology and the internet in rural areas and the lack of digital media literacy education in schools and universities are major challenges that need to be addressed. It's the responsibility of educational institutions, parents, and society as a whole to provide opportunities and resources to develop digital media literacy. The Indian government, in collaboration with private sectors, needs to take more effective steps to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital media literacy education in India.