We are living in a renaissance period of new digital media and technologies that are reshaping the world around us.
A wide and growing cross-section of the world’s population has become immersed in this hyperconnected digital world, in turn transforming the ways we communicate and interact.
At the same time, as digital media and technology become an indispensable part of our daily lives, there is growing concern that we are losing control as our dependence on technology grows.
One key issue concerns the unprecedented scale and scope of online personal data that is being generated, collected, analysed and monetized, often beyond user awareness or control.
In a recent survey of over 6,000 digital media users worldwide, the World Economic Forum found that 52-71% of respondents believe ICT companies and digital media platforms are not doing enough to provide adequate end-user control over what personal information is shared online.
Numerous privacy scandals and data breaches have occurred and further hurt public perception of the Industry. Governments are also struggling to regulate the appropriate usage of users’ personal data and develop robust standards for data protection.
As a result, the public’s trust in government and digital-media-related industries is volatile and wavering. Tackling this problem is a high priority to ensure sustainable growth of this industry sector and to continue developing the digital economy over the long term. How can we close this trust gap?
Digital intelligence fosters public confidence
Trust comes from understanding and knowledge. Digital intelligence, or DQ as it's also known, is a set of collective abilities to meet the demands and challenges of digital lives, including digital citizenship and literacy skills.
The starting point is for individuals to be aware of how their online personal data is being collected and used, and to understand its impact on their lives.
Unfortunately, such DQ is not currently very high among the public. According to the survey, 32-47% of respondents did not understand the meaning of "online presence" and "derived data", even after they read their definitions.
It is clearly important to address this gap in understanding and equip people with the skills to use digital media and technology responsibly.
(This article is part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017)
Source - World Economic Forum, written byYuhyun Park