Illustration - Regina Krenstel
The internet is more than just a place to consume content; it’s a space where we interact, create, and influence others. Just like in real life, we have rights and responsibilities online, too. According to Ribble, digital citizenship involves responsible, ethical, and effective engagement in digital environments. It’s not just about knowing how to use technology but understanding how to use it wisely and responsibly. Moreover, digital citizenship is closely linked to democracy—active participation online can strengthen democratic processes and empower citizens to engage in public discourse.
Throughout recent history, the internet has been a tool for democratic participation and social change. Here are a few impactful examples:
These cases highlight how digital citizenship is about more than personal responsibility, it’s about shaping the world we live in.
The importance of this key concept motivated the Council of Europe to declare 2025 as the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 to give an impulse to the development and promotion of digital citizenship education in all member states.
Throughout recent history, the internet has been a tool for democratic participation and social change. Here are a few impactful examples:
- Arab Spring (2010–2012): Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook played a crucial role in organizing protests against oppressive regimes across the Middle East. Activists used digital tools to mobilize people, document abuse, and attract global attention.
- #MeToo Movement (2017–present): This global movement against sexual harassment and assault started on social media, empowering survivors to share their stories and push for legal and cultural change.
- Fridays for Future (2018–present): Inspired by Greta Thunberg, young people worldwide have used digital platforms to mobilize climate strikes and advocate for environmental policies.
- Protests in Belarus (2020): After the announcement of the official results of the presidential election in August 2020, the country witnessed mass protests. Social networks, and especially Telegram channels (such as “NEXTA”), became key tools for coordinating actions, sharing information, and reporting on the activities of security forces. According to Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, digital activism helped draw international attention to the situation.
These cases highlight how digital citizenship is about more than personal responsibility, it’s about shaping the world we live in.
The importance of this key concept motivated the Council of Europe to declare 2025 as the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 to give an impulse to the development and promotion of digital citizenship education in all member states.
Assess your digital practices
So, how do you know if you're just scrolling or actually leading? Let’s put it to the test:
1. Do you fact-check before sharing news or posts?
False information spreads quickly online. As Wardle and Derakhshan point out, misinformation and disinformation thrive in digital spaces, making critical thinking an essential skill for responsible digital citizens. Media literacy plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to critically assess digital content, identify misinformation, and engage in meaningful discussions that strengthen democratic participation.
2. Do you respect others online, even when you disagree?
Democracy relies on healthy debate, and digital spaces are modern arenas for public discourse. However, online discussions often escalate into polarization and hate speech. Research by Sunstein highlights how filter bubbles and echo chambers reduce exposure to diverse perspectives, weakening democratic deliberation. In other words, when you read and follow only opinions like yours, you miss out on different points of view that could challenge and broaden your knowledge of a situation. Digital citizens must engage in respectful, open discussions that include diverse viewpoints.
3. Do you create or share content that adds value to your community?
Being a digital citizen means contributing positively to online spaces. Jenkins and other researchers discuss the concept of participatory culture, where individuals actively create and share knowledge rather than just consuming content. This kind of participation strengthens democracy, as it enables youth to engage in civic activism, raise awareness of social issues, and advocate for change.
4. Do you use digital tools to participate in civic life?
The internet provides powerful tools for civic engagement, from signing petitions to participating in online forums and digital activism. According to Bennett and Segerberg, digital networks have reshaped collective action, making it easier for individuals to mobilize and advocate for political and social change. Digital citizenship, therefore, is about more than personal responsibility: it’s about actively shaping society through digital participation.
In Estonia, e-participation is a reality. According to e-Estonia website, the Citizen initiative platform rahvaalgatus.ee allows people to submit collective proposals; this makes political decision-making processes more transparent. This platform was launched in 2016 on the national level, and in 2020 it expanded to include initiatives on the local level.
5. Do you protect your privacy and understand how your data is used?
With growing concerns over digital privacy, understanding how personal data is collected and used is crucial. Digital citizens take steps to secure their information and advocate for ethical data practices. Protecting privacy is also a democratic issue, as unchecked data surveillance can threaten personal freedoms and civic participation.
If you answered “yes” to the key questions above, you’re already on your way to becoming a responsible digital citizen. If not, don’t worry—becoming one starts with awareness and small actions.
1. Do you fact-check before sharing news or posts?
False information spreads quickly online. As Wardle and Derakhshan point out, misinformation and disinformation thrive in digital spaces, making critical thinking an essential skill for responsible digital citizens. Media literacy plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to critically assess digital content, identify misinformation, and engage in meaningful discussions that strengthen democratic participation.
2. Do you respect others online, even when you disagree?
Democracy relies on healthy debate, and digital spaces are modern arenas for public discourse. However, online discussions often escalate into polarization and hate speech. Research by Sunstein highlights how filter bubbles and echo chambers reduce exposure to diverse perspectives, weakening democratic deliberation. In other words, when you read and follow only opinions like yours, you miss out on different points of view that could challenge and broaden your knowledge of a situation. Digital citizens must engage in respectful, open discussions that include diverse viewpoints.
3. Do you create or share content that adds value to your community?
Being a digital citizen means contributing positively to online spaces. Jenkins and other researchers discuss the concept of participatory culture, where individuals actively create and share knowledge rather than just consuming content. This kind of participation strengthens democracy, as it enables youth to engage in civic activism, raise awareness of social issues, and advocate for change.
4. Do you use digital tools to participate in civic life?
The internet provides powerful tools for civic engagement, from signing petitions to participating in online forums and digital activism. According to Bennett and Segerberg, digital networks have reshaped collective action, making it easier for individuals to mobilize and advocate for political and social change. Digital citizenship, therefore, is about more than personal responsibility: it’s about actively shaping society through digital participation.
In Estonia, e-participation is a reality. According to e-Estonia website, the Citizen initiative platform rahvaalgatus.ee allows people to submit collective proposals; this makes political decision-making processes more transparent. This platform was launched in 2016 on the national level, and in 2020 it expanded to include initiatives on the local level.
5. Do you protect your privacy and understand how your data is used?
With growing concerns over digital privacy, understanding how personal data is collected and used is crucial. Digital citizens take steps to secure their information and advocate for ethical data practices. Protecting privacy is also a democratic issue, as unchecked data surveillance can threaten personal freedoms and civic participation.
If you answered “yes” to the key questions above, you’re already on your way to becoming a responsible digital citizen. If not, don’t worry—becoming one starts with awareness and small actions.
How to Educate Yourself and Take Action as a Digital Citizen
Becoming a responsible digital citizen doesn’t happen overnight—it requires continuous learning and active engagement. Researchers developed a digital citizenship scale with five factors: Internet Political Activism, Technical skills, Local/Global Awareness, Critical Perspective, and Networking Agency. The results of their study also determined that there are three conditions for reaching advanced levels of digital citizenship: technical skills, local/global awareness and involvement in internet-based communities through collaborative and cooperative online activities.
Here are some ways to educate yourself and take action:
Here are some ways to educate yourself and take action:
1.Develop Media Literacy Skills
- Use fact-checking websites like Snopes or FactCheck.org before sharing news.
- Take online courses on media literacy, such as those offered by UNESCO, Coursera or IREX.
2.Engage in Digital Civic Participation
- Follow online discussions on public issues and engage respectfully.
- Participate in digital town halls and civic engagement platforms. In Estonia this can be done through rahvaalgatus.ee.
3.Practice Ethical Online Behavior
- Stand up against cyberbullying by reporting harmful content.
- Use your social media presence to raise awareness about important issues.
4.Protect Your Privacy and Security
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Understand how companies collect and use your data by reading privacy policies.
5.Stay Informed on Digital Rights and Policies
- Follow organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) or Access Now to stay updated on digital rights.
- Advocate for policies that promote free speech, privacy, and fair internet access.
The internet is shaped by those who use it. Are you just passing through, or are you helping to build something better? The choice is yours.
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This material is part of the PERSPECTIVES 2 project – a new label for independent, constructive, and multiperspective journalism. The project is funded by the European Union. The opinions and positions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The European Union and EACEA assume no responsibility for them. Learn more about PERSPECTIVES.
This material is part of the PERSPECTIVES 2 project – a new label for independent, constructive, and multiperspective journalism. The project is funded by the European Union. The opinions and positions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The European Union and EACEA assume no responsibility for them. Learn more about PERSPECTIVES.
