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How Digital Citizenship Can Create a Safer, More Inclusive Internet for All

the ⁤Power of Positivity: How digital citizenship Shapes Our Online World

For Toronto-based content creator Trésor ‍Grey, the internet isn’t just a platform – it’s his workplace. And​ like any workplace, he‌ knows its culture can⁢ make or break your​ experience. Over the past decade, ⁢gray has cultivated a corner of TikTok dedicated to positivity, laughter, and connection. But maintaining that space hasn’t always been easy.

Gray, a⁢ 29-year-old songwriter, has been creating short​ comedic skits as 2013. today, he boasts a million followers on TikTok. His ⁢secret? Keeping​ things positive. “I see social media as my job​ and my workplace, ⁢I don’t see it​ as ‌a personal escape like other people,” he explains. “I’ve made the conscious​ decision to put my phone down ⁣more. I just go on and do what I have to do.”

Gray’s approach is a reminder that while the internet offers connection⁢ and creativity, it also harbors ​negativity. ⁢ In ‍2022, ⁢71% of young Canadians reported seeing online hate in the past 12 months, and one in eight‍ encountered daily content ⁣that‌ could incite hate or violence. Statistics ⁢Canada also found that Canadians who spent less ‌time online had 16%⁢ better mental health than those who consumed online‌ content for 20 or more ⁢hours a week.

These numbers underscore the importance of digital citizenship – how we behave ⁣online.‌ According to Kara Brisson-Boivin,⁢ research director at MediaSmarts, digital citizenship‌ is defined⁢ as the “ability to be online and navigate digital tools in ways that‍ are safe, responsible, and​ respectfully engaged.”

For Brisson-Boivin, this means ⁢using online​ tools to​ enhance ⁣our lives while engaging⁢ respectfully‌ with digital spaces.‌ For Gray, it’s about keeping his‌ channels positive. “I ⁣want my space to ⁣be a place ‌where people can come and feel good,” he says.

Why Digital Citizenship⁤ Matters

Digital citizenship isn’t‍ just about avoiding ‍negativity; it’s about⁣ fostering a healthier online surroundings.Here’s why it’s‍ crucial:

  1. online Safety: Understanding how to protect oneself from⁢ online dangers is a cornerstone⁣ of digital citizenship. ‍
  2. Mental Health: Limiting ‍screen time⁣ and‌ engaging​ positively online can considerably improve⁤ well-being.
  3. Respectful Engagement: Treating others with respect online helps create a more inclusive digital space.

Key Statistics on Digital behavior

| Statistic ⁢ ‍ ⁣ ⁣ | Percentage/Value |
|——————————————–|———————-|‌ ​
| ‌Young Canadians who saw online ​hate (2022) | 71% ⁢ ​ ‍ |
| Canadians with better mental health (less screen ‍time) | 16% improvement |
| Daily exposure ⁢to hate-inciting content | ⁢1 in 8 ⁣ ‌ ⁢‍ |

How‍ to Be a responsible Digital Citizen

  1. Limit ‍Screen Time: Balance⁤ online engagement with‌ offline activities. ‌
  2. Promote‍ Positivity: Like Gray, create and share content that ‍uplifts others.
  3. Report Harmful Content: Use⁣ platform tools to flag inappropriate material. ⁣

Gray’s journey is a testament to the power‌ of responsible digital citizenship.⁤ By prioritizing positivity, he’s not only protecting his mental health⁤ but also creating a safer,⁣ more enjoyable⁣ space for‌ his followers.

As we navigate ‍the‌ digital world, let’s remember: our online behavior shapes the internet for everyone. let’s make it a better place. ‍

What steps will you take to be a better digital citizen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

How to‌ Be a Responsible Digital ⁤Citizen: ⁤Tips for Navigating the⁢ Online ‌World ⁣

In today’s hyperconnected world, ‍the‍ internet has become an integral part of our ‌daily lives.⁤ Though, with the rise of misinformation, online​ negativity, and toxic ⁣interactions, being​ a responsible digital citizen‌ is​ more‌ crucial ​than ever. Kara Brisson-Boivin, a ⁤leading expert⁣ on digital citizenship, shares actionable tips to help individuals navigate the online space ⁤with⁢ empathy, accountability, and awareness.

The Golden rule of Digital ‌Citizenship ⁢

Brisson-Boivin emphasizes that being a good⁣ digital citizen starts with a ⁣simple principle: “Just⁢ act how you would want people to⁢ act ‍to ‍you and talk to you like you would in real life.”⁤ This foundational advice sets ⁢the tone ⁢for fostering positive online interactions.⁣

1. Go to‍ the ‍Source

One of the most effective ways to combat misinformation ⁣is by verifying details before sharing⁣ it. Brisson-Boivin advises, “Don’t just read a ‍headline or ⁤tagline⁣ in a‌ social post and⁤ then share it. Go to the original source,check that source,verify if that source is​ trusted so that⁤ we make sure we’re contributing positively to the ‍online information​ ecosystem.” ‍

This practice not only helps curb the spread of false information but also ensures that ⁢you’re part of the solution in ⁤creating a more informed online community. ‍

2. Slow ​Down

Online communication frequently enough⁢ lacks the nuances⁣ of tone and body language, making it easy for ⁢messages to‍ be ​misinterpreted. Brisson-Boivin recommends taking a moment to‌ pause‌ before ‌reacting to a comment or post.“Taking the time to pause⁣ before ‌responding to a comment⁣ or⁤ a piece⁢ of content, ​and recognizing your own ⁢emotions, can definitely help,” she says. “When you ‍feel angry or anxious or ⁤fearful or sad [after seeing something online], ⁤those are the moments where we may need to take a step back, take a pause,⁢ and not necessarily react or ‌respond in​ that particular moment.”

This approach can prevent unnecessary conflicts and ​promote more thoughtful,‍ constructive conversations.

3. Remember There’s Someone ⁤on ⁢the Other Side of the Screen

A key​ attribute of a responsible digital citizen is recognizing ‍that there’s another human being‍ behind every online interaction. Brisson-Boivin stresses the ⁢importance of ‍empathy: “We are engaging ⁤with other ‌people.”

This⁢ reminder encourages users to treat others with the same ⁢respect and kindness they would ‍expect ‌in face-to-face interactions, fostering a more ​compassionate online environment.

4.⁤ Be an Advocate

Beyond mitigating negativity, Brisson-Boivin highlights ⁣the power of advocacy in creating a safer internet.⁤ “it’s about flagging content that is hateful, whether it’s racist, sexist, or or else, and advocating for safer, more inclusive‌ online spaces,” she explains. ⁢

This could involve reporting hateful comments, ‌intervening ⁤during a comment pile-on, or actively supporting⁢ someone experiencing online negativity. Advocacy also extends to ‍pushing ⁢for ‌stronger protections against online⁣ hate and more clear methods of‌ banning or reporting abusive users.

“Digital citizenship cannot be ‍a‍ panacea for all ​our online harms. Education is critical, but [digital citizenship] is​ not‍ a one-directional solution,‌ and‍ it can’t become a ‌way to saddle individuals ‍with challenges that we’re⁤ facing,” Brisson-Boivin adds. “Advocating for more in terms of regulation‌ or platform action ‍is important‍ too.” ​

Key Takeaways for ⁢Responsible Digital Citizenship

| Tip ⁢ ‌ ⁤ ⁤ | Action ‍ ⁢ ⁤ ⁤ ⁤ ‍ ‌ ⁣ ⁣ ⁤ ​ ​ ⁢ |
|———————————-|—————————————————————————|
| Go to the ‍Source ‍‌ ‍ ‍ | Verify information before ⁢sharing to combat misinformation. ​ ⁤ ‌ | ‌ ⁢
| Slow Down ‍ ​ ⁤ ‍ |‍ Pause before reacting to avoid misinterpretation and emotional responses. |
| ​ Empathy⁣ Matters ‍ ‌ |​ Remember there’s a real person behind every online interaction. |
| Be an Advocate ⁢ ‍ ⁢ ⁤ | Report hateful content and advocate for safer online⁢ spaces. ⁣ ‍ ⁢ ⁣ | ⁤

Final‌ Thoughts

being a ​responsible digital citizen isn’t just about​ avoiding negativity—it’s about actively contributing to a ​healthier, more inclusive ⁢online community. By verifying​ information, practicing empathy, and advocating for positive change, ⁣we can all play a‌ role in ⁢making the ⁣internet a better place.

As Brisson-Boivin aptly ⁣puts it, “Digital citizenship is about more than individual actions; it’s ‍about collective responsibility.” Let’s work together to ‍create an ‌online world that reflects the best‍ of​ humanity.—
For more insights on digital citizenship and online safety, explore⁤ resources ⁣from MediaSmarts, Canada’s leading digital literacy organization.How to Write a Compelling Newspaper⁤ Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting ⁢a newspaper article is⁤ both an art ⁤and a‌ science. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist⁤ or a seasoned writer, understanding the‌ fundamentals of news writing ⁣is‌ essential to creating engaging, accurate, and impactful stories. Below, we break down ​the process into actionable steps, drawing insights from ‌expert resources like WikiHow ​and TCK Publishing. ​ ⁣

1. ⁢Start with ⁢Research and Fact-Checking

Before putting⁢ pen⁤ to ⁢paper, gather ​all necessary information. “Verify ‍any ⁢facts or sources you​ plan to use,” advises WikiHow. This ensures your article is ⁣credible and trustworthy.⁢ Use reliable sources, cross-check data, and interview relevant individuals to build a solid foundation for your story. ⁤

2. Craft a ‍Strong Lede

The opening sentence, or lede,⁢ is ‍arguably the ​most critical part of your article. it‍ should instantly‌ grab the reader’s⁣ attention while summarizing the most essential details. According to ⁣ TCK Publishing, a strong lede answers the “Who,” “What,” “When,”⁤ “Where,” “Why,” and “how”‌ of the ‌story in a concise and compelling manner.

3.⁤ Write in Third Person ⁤and Active Voice

Maintain an⁤ authoritative tone by writing​ in⁢ the third person and using active voice. This approach keeps your‌ writing clear and direct, making it ⁤easier for readers to follow. Such as, rather of saying, “The meeting was attended by ⁢the ‌mayor,”‌ write, “The mayor attended the ‌meeting.”

4. Focus⁢ on the Inverted Pyramid Structure

News articles typically follow the inverted pyramid structure, ​where the‍ most⁢ important information is‍ presented first. This ensures that readers⁤ get the key details even if they don’t finish the article. As WikiHow explains,”Write above the fold,” a term borrowed from ‍newspapers where ⁤the‌ most critical content appears above the physical⁤ fold of the page. ‌

5.⁣ Keep It Objective and​ Newsworthy

Avoid⁢ injecting personal opinions or biases into your⁤ writing. Stick to the‌ facts and ensure your story is newsworthy. TCK Publishing emphasizes​ the importance⁣ of staying⁣ consistent with news values, such ⁤as⁢ timeliness, impact, and relevance.

6. Use Descriptive Language and Varied Sentence Lengths

To‍ create⁣ a dynamic reading experience, mix ‌short, impactful sentences with longer, more descriptive ones. This ‍keeps your writing engaging and approachable. As an example, “The fire engulfed the building within minutes. Flames roared, and smoke billowed ‍into the night sky, leaving residents scrambling ‌for⁤ safety.”

7. Incorporate Multimedia Elements

Enhance your⁤ article with ‍multimedia elements like images, videos, ‌or ⁢infographics.These additions not⁣ only break up the text but⁢ also provide visual context, making your story more ‌immersive. ​

8.‌ Summarize Key Points ‌in a Table

To‌ help readers digest complex information, consider ⁣summarizing key points in a table. Here’s an example:

| ⁢ Step ⁤ ​ ⁢ | Key‍ Action ‌ ⁤ ‍ ⁢ ⁤ ‍⁢ ‌ ​ ⁢ ‌ ‍ ‍ ‍ ⁣ |
|————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| Research ⁣|⁣ Gather and verify​ facts from reliable ⁤sources. ​ ​⁤ ‍ ‍ |⁢
| Lede ​ ​ | Write a compelling ​opening sentence ‌summarizing ‌the ⁣story. ⁣ ⁤ ‌ ‍ |‍
| Structure ‌ | Use the inverted pyramid‍ format, placing the most critical details first. |
| Tone ⁢ ⁢ ⁣ ‌ ​ ‍ ‍ ‌ | Write⁣ in⁢ third ⁢person and active voice for clarity ⁤and authority. ⁣ ⁢ ​ |
| ‍Objectivity ⁢ ‍ | Avoid⁤ personal opinions; ⁣focus on facts ⁢and newsworthiness.|

9.Strategically Place Calls to Action

Encourage reader engagement by including calls to action. Such as,invite them⁢ to ⁢share their ‌thoughts in⁢ the‌ comments or explore related articles ⁤on‍ your website.​ ​

10. ⁣Edit and⁤ Revise

review your article for accuracy, clarity, ‍and grammar. A well-polished piece not only reflects professionalism but also ⁣builds trust with your audience. ​

By following these steps,‌ you can‌ craft ⁣a ⁣newspaper article ​that informs, engages, and resonates with‍ your readers. For more ⁢tips on news writing, check ‍out WikiHow and​ TCK Publishing.

how to Write a Compelling ‌Newspaper ‌Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting a newspaper article is both an art and a ​science. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist or a seasoned writer, understanding the fundamentals ⁤of news writing is essential to creating engaging, accurate, and impactful stories. ⁤Below, we break down the process into‍ actionable steps, drawing insights from expert resources like WikiHow and TCK Publishing.

1.Start with Research and Fact-Checking

Before putting pen to paper, gather all necessary information. “Verify any facts or sources you plan to use,” advises WikiHow. This ensures your article is credible and trustworthy. Use reliable sources,cross-check data,and interview relevant individuals to build a solid⁣ foundation for your story.

2. Craft a Strong Lede

The opening sentence, or lede, is arguably the most critical part of your article. It ‌should instantly grab the reader’s attention ‍while summarizing ‍the most essential details. According to TCK Publishing, a strong lede answers the “who,” “What,” “When,” ⁤”Where,” “Why,” ​and “How” ‍of the ⁣story in a concise and compelling manner.

3. Write in third Person⁤ and Active Voice

Maintain an authoritative tone by writing⁤ in the third person and using active voice. This approach keeps‍ your writing ⁢clear and direct, making it easier for readers to follow. For exmaple, instead of saying, “The meeting was attended by the mayor,” write, “The mayor attended⁢ the meeting.”

4. Focus‌ on⁣ the Inverted Pyramid Structure

News articles typically follow the inverted pyramid structure, where the most critically important information is presented first. This ensures that readers get the crucial details right at the beginning, even if they ⁢don’t read the entire article. As the article progresses, include ⁢supporting information and background ⁣details.

5. Use Clear and concise Language

Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Your goal is ⁣to communicate‌ information effectively to a broad ⁣audience.Keep paragraphs⁣ short and sentences straightforward. This approach helps maintain reader engagement and⁢ clarity.

6.Include Quotes and Expert Opinions

Adding quotes from relevant individuals or experts can enhance the credibility and depth ‌of your article. “Direct quotes add authenticity and provide a human element to ‍the story,” notes TCK Publishing. Ensure quotes are accurately attributed ⁣and contextually relevant.

7. Edit ⁢and Proofread Thoroughly

Before publishing, meticulously edit and proofread your article. Check for grammar errors,factual accuracy,and overall coherence.⁢ A well-polished article reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

8.‍ Follow‌ Ethical Guidelines

Journalism ethics are paramount. ‍Always respect ⁤privacy, avoid bias, and ensure fairness in your reporting. Ethical journalism builds trust and credibility with ⁣your audience.

final ⁢Thoughts

Writing a compelling newspaper article requires ​a blend of thorough research,clear writing,and ethical practices. By following these steps, you can craft stories that ‌inform, engage, and inspire your readers.Remember, the goal of journalism is not just to report facts‍ but ‍to connect with humanity ⁣through storytelling.

For ⁢more insights on news writing, explore resources from WikiHow and TCK Publishing. Happy writing!

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