Google Philippines in collaboration with Titik Poetry released a collection of spoken word poetry videos on its YouTube channel to encourage Filipinos to become responsible internet-users. Here are the things we need to understand about the concept of responsible digital citizenship.
To be a responsible digital citizen means using technology appropriately and operating online activities safely. As people communicate and share information online, there’s a need to practice responsible habits in using the internet.
Hence, Google Philippines has decided to release a collection of spoken word poetry and animated videos on its local YouTube channel on Safer lnternet Day 2021. This is its way of encouraging Filipinos to become responsible internet-users.
The series of poems were written and produced by Titik Poetry, a Cavite-based art collective that aims to use poetry and art to make a social impact. The videos are part of the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) campaign of Google and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Here are the things that must be understood about the concept of responsible digital citizenship from Google Philippines and Titik Poetry.
Use social media wisely
As a responsible internet user, you have to be aware of your own rights in using digital networks. Don’t easily share personal information. Control what you can see online and if you have to unfollow toxic pages (even people) to make your internet space healthier, feel free to do it. Make wise decisions about accepting followers and having friends online.
As what Mark Steve Manzano said, “Huwag basta-bastang tumanggap ng imbitasyon. Siguraduhing kilala ang kaibigang pagkakatiwalaan ng impormasyon.”
Recognize your own and other’s rights
Recognizing one’s digital rights helps to ensure that everyone has the freedom to enjoy online. However, take note that rights come with responsibilities. Contribute positive conversations, behave accordingly, and respect everyone you interact with online. Make sure that your rights are not being violated too.
Moreover, don’t take part in cyberbullying. Speak up when you witness one. Spreading love and kindness while quelling hate helps foster a peaceful cyberspace environment.
“Nakakatakot kung minsan mag-salita, pero mas nakakatakot walang gawin… Kung ‘di kaya ng ibang tumayo mag-isa, maaaring mag-abot ng kamay,” Titik Poetry member Domo Sabino said in his spoken word piece Ipagsawalang-bahala.
Secure passwords
We all have the responsibility to keep our information safe online. Passwords give us a line of defense against unauthorized access. The stronger the password, the more secure you will be from malicious software and hackers. There’s a lot of internet tips you can read online on how to boost your password’s strength.
Watch Viancey Reboya’s spoken word piece on how to protect yourself with strong passwords.
Practice kindness
In his piece titled “Repleksyon,” Tiktik Poetry founder Verline Santos talked about cyberbullying and “cancel culture” that are rampant on social media. He reminded netizens that they have to be careful and responsible on what to post online. He also mentioned that netizens should reduce sarcasm because facial expression and voice tone can’t be conveyed via text. Even comments can be easily perceived negatively.
Practicing kindness is a good starting point in beginning a change online. He said it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Being polite presents a positive image online and even a simple “How are you doing?” to a friend can make their day brighter.
Be observant
Not everything online is true. Fake news and misinformation are accelerating and affecting individual’s everyday lives. Don’t believe everything you read online. Before sharing, search for facts and dig deeper.
There’s a long way to go to combat fake news. However, it helps to always double check sources and follow reliable news outlets. As what Titik Poetry Lawrenze Jimenez said in his spoken word piece, “Hindi lahat tapat, yung iba maaari kang lokohin. Hindi naman masama kung iyong susuriin.”
