Digital Skills vs. Digital Literacy: Why Teens Aren't Born Digital Natives
By
The White Hatter
Summary
This article debunks the myth that young people are "digital natives" who instinctively understand technology. It argues that while youth and teens are comfortable using devices and apps (digital skills), they often lack digital literacy—the critical thinking needed to understand privacy, algorithms, misinformation, online influence, and digital reputation. The piece emphasizes that parents and caregivers should focus on raising children who can think critically about technology, not just use it.
Source
bskyDigital Skills vs. Digital Literacy: Why Teens Aren't Born Digital Nativesthewhitehatter.caKey quotes
· 4 pulledWhile many youth and teens are certainly comfortable with technology, comfort should not be confused with competence.
In reality, many young people are digitally skilled, not necessarily digitally literate.
Knowing how to use an app, create a video, or navigate social media is a digital skill. Understanding privacy, algorithms, misinformation, online influence, and digital reputation is digital literacy.
The challenge isn't raising children who can use technology, it's raising young people who can think critically about it.
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