Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to discover, assess, make and pass on data which requires specialized skills. From surfing the internet for information to marketing, entertainment and what not, we all are required to have some sort of digital knowledge. Automated devices have become a need. These devices make our lives easier but take access to a lot of private information. In India becoming ‘techie’ took off in the mid 2010’s, when Prime Minister Modi declared the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) in 2014. Digitization and advanced proficiency in digital filed quickly gained importance.
“We are looking at a society progressively subject to machines, yet decreasingly capable of making, or utilizing them successfully.”
According to a survey, of more than 460 million internet users, India is the second largest online market just behind China. By 2021, there will be around 700 million web users in the nation. With such great internet penetration, virtual world has become the focus of nearly everybody.
Problems
There is a shortage of digital literacy in India. People from rural background who lack knowledge about digital tools face problems in using it. Only urban areas have fast networks. Many towns still don’t get signal on their cell phones to call. Rural people also lack the means to gain knowledge for making use of these resources as they do not have such a social group which encourages such activities.
Also, there is a rise in sadness and aggressive behaviour in kids. This can be due to social detachment of kids with increased use of internet, which is stressing. Though, the advanced world has its own dangers but if utilized in the right way, digitization, without any doubt, can be of immense significance. Digital India aims to become an example for other countries. It wants to perform well in various fields and have the strength to adapt to various circumstances. Also, it aims to connect each individual to fulfill their needs and be updated.
Since, every thing has its own pros and cons same is with the digital world. If we consider its positive side, it offers huge advantages to all of us. It gives a great stage to connect and work together with other individuals around the globe. It opens up chances to find out about new and significant issues. With such a ground-breaking medium, ‘Digital Literacy’ is the need of the hour.
