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
Table of Contents
- How to Be a Responsible Digital Citizen: Tips for Navigating the Online World
- The Golden rule of Digital Citizenship
- Key Takeaways for Responsible Digital Citizenship
- Final Thoughts
- 1. Start with Research and Fact-Checking
- 2. Craft a Strong Lede
- 3. Write in Third Person and Active Voice
- 4. Focus on the Inverted Pyramid Structure
- 5. Keep It Objective and Newsworthy
- 6. Use Descriptive Language and Varied Sentence Lengths
- 7. Incorporate Multimedia Elements
- 8. Summarize Key Points in a Table
- 9.Strategically Place Calls to Action
- 10. Edit and Revise
- how to Write a Compelling Newspaper Article: A Step-by-Step Guide
- final Thoughts
Digital citizenship isn’t just about avoiding negativity; it’s about fostering a healthier online surroundings.Here’s why it’s crucial:
- online Safety: Understanding how to protect oneself from online dangers is a cornerstone of digital citizenship.
- Mental Health: Limiting screen time and engaging positively online can considerably improve well-being.
- 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
- Limit Screen Time: Balance online engagement with offline activities.
- Promote Positivity: Like Gray, create and share content that uplifts others.
- 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.
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!
