Travel the Digital World

Travelling in the digital world is a complex activity. This is often more so than physical travel, as online meetings involve people of different backgrounds, languages and cultures. Thus, it is important to consider how these differences may affect communication. For example, people from different generations possess different digital competences. What you might find easy can be difficult for someone not familiar with the tools.

Your generation has instant digital access to the world, and it, in turn, has access to you. The digital world connects billions of people, and their personal information and messages have become the world’s most valuable commodities. Companies dealing with this information know what you think and how you feel and, consequently, what you like to buy and do. As a result, companies such as Google and Facebook are some of the most powerful and valuable in the world.

From one-way to two-way communication The digital world has gone from being a mostly one-way medium to a two-way communication system at record pace. While your grandparents were mainly receivers of input, watching news from a government-appointed TV channel, you are both a receiver of input and a producer of feedback and output. Take social media, for example. You receive input by reading, post feedback as comments, repost input and spread it as output, and you might even produce output that becomes others’ input and output. All on one platform. INPUT post feedback spread output complex sammensatt/samansett affect påvirke/påverke possess innehar/har pace tempo receivers mottakere/mottakarar commodities råvarer consequently følgelig/følgeleg

SENDER Vurderingseksemplar RECEIVER/ PRODUCER

GENERALISED CORE VALUES

as presented at the Global Internet Governance Forum in 2009 end-to-end principle open standards universal access freedom of expression SOURCE Anderson, J., et al. 2009. Core internet values workshop. Imagining the Internet. Elon.edu

ACTION

THE WORLD BEFORE SOCIAL MEDIA: Make a key word list to compare your present digital travel experience to that of your grandparents. Use the illustration as inspiration and discuss the consequences of the changes. ACTION 11 In your own words, explain the difference between oneway and two-way communication by using examples from the text. 12 Complete the double bubble below based on examples of your digital use. Some examples may fit both communication forms, as you can choose to participate in comments or engage in other ways. Differences Similarities Differences one-way communication two-way communication Differences Similarities Differences 13 Arrange the generalised core values from what you think is most important to least important. 14 Explain each value with an example of what you know, have seen or have heard online. Use the source for help.

15 Compare and discuss your answers to tasks 11–14 with a workmate. 16 In groups, discuss the following on digital travel: a If there really is a global digital culture, what does it consist of? b How much do you actually know about the sources of the information you consume? c What are the dangers of not knowing where your digital cultural input comes from? d Why is it important to consider the cultural background in digital two-way communication? 17 In pairs, suggest a travel checklist for the digital world, similar to the USA and the UK checklist, page 104 and 146. Add images and charts, and include the following: the various digital platforms travel the digital world when interacting with people online Vurderingseksemplar that everyone should try or visit. emergency contact online system 18 Gather in groups of four to compare and discuss your checklists. Is it possible to agree on a class checklist?