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How young people and local values can help build a safer internet
While many of us have benefited from rapid digitalization, some bad actors have found ways to abuse digital platforms by carrying out scams or spreading misinformation.
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Internet first: A student learns the German language through the Duolingo app at home on June 26, 2020, when schools were closed to contain the spread of COVID-19. Access to the internet has been the key to pandemic-induced online learning. (JP/Arief Suhardiman)
T
he internet is perhaps one of the strongest driving forces of globalization, evident in almost every facet of life due to the rapid adoption of the internet. More people are participating actively in the digital world across geographies, languages and cultures.
Today, it is estimated that more than 70 percent of Indonesia’s population has access to the internet and spends more than 8 hours a day in the digital world. Public interest and participation in issues that range from COVID-19 to cryptocurrencies and climate change are increasing, with many of these conversations happening online. The economic impact for businesses of all sizes has been significant, especially with the increasing digitalization of interactions with customers during the pandemic.
While many of us have benefited from this, some bad actors have found ways to abuse digital platforms by carrying out scams or spreading misinformation. This, then, raises the question: How do we keep people safe in a world where so many of us are increasingly spending more time in digital environments?
Local young people and values play a pivotal role in improving digital literacy to keep more people safe on the internet. “Glocalization”, a term popularized by sociologist Roland Robertson in 2018 about the importance of globalization and localization working in tandem, resonates very strongly when exploring ways to harness the best that technology can offer while maintaining personal privacy and safety.
Digital literacy is a high priority for the government of Indonesia. During the pandemic, more and more activities have gone online, creating an urge for many to understand how to protect themselves and take action against potential harm online. The youth play a vital role in advancing digital literacy in Indonesia, with 48 percent of digital users aged 25 to 44 years.
The government targeted 50 million people to be reached through digital literacy programs by 2024, which works out to an average of 12.5 million people per year from 2021. The Communications and Information Ministry launched the National Digital Literacy Movement (GNLD) last year and the Makin Cakap (Digitally Savvy) campaign to reach the goal.
Collaboration has been key to the success of the GNLD. Multi-stakeholder initiatives have been launched in support of the nationwide digital literacy movement, including government organizations, the private sector, NGOs, communities and key opinion leaders. The wide and diverse range of these digital literacy programs reflect the diversity of issues and the high bar for inclusion in Indonesia.
