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Smart digital media tips are essential for an increasingly tech-focused world.
In a world that is increasingly reliant on digital tools for work and pleasure, it is more important than ever before to engage with digital media in healthy and smart ways. In today’s blurb, we take a closer look at how you can begin to do just that.
Being skeptical is one of the best things you can do for yourself as you navigate the digital media space. For starters, there are many moving parts and sources of influence to contend with. Unfortunately, all sources of information or influence are not created equal. As such, the onus is on you, the “end-user” to be discerning. So, here are five (5) keys to sharpening your discernment.
You do not have to be online or using digital tools for very long to understand that things are not always what they seem. Consequently, it helps to err on the side of caution. Take the steps to ensure that you approach digital content and experiences with the understanding that there may be more than meets the eye. This approach will lay the foundation to help you utilise the following tools.
It is far too easy to be on the receiving end of misinformation in the digital world. As such, it is important to fact-check everything. Fact-checking is about investigating to verify whether given information is true. Importantly, fact-checking can include several types of activities – some of which we get into in part two.
Data is the new currency and scams are everywhere in the digital space. There are so many tricks being used to steal data and information. Everything from special programmes claiming to house the secrets of the one percent to email phishing tactics as old as time is taking place. Yes, there are legitimate opportunities out there. However, as a rule of thumb, if it looks or sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Don’t give in to mob mentality. While it is true that we do need ‘group agreements’ to cultivate some form of normalcy, mob mentality is an unhealthy type of ‘group think.’ In short, mob mentality often results from simply following a trending or popular point of view. This sort of behaviour is increasingly popular on social media platforms where cyberbullying and trolling are commonplace.
Finally, remember that even when something is new to you, it may not be new in actuality. So, secret knowledge that you have to pay money to access is no secret at all. Also, that ‘must-have’ tool or knowledge is something you can live without. Yes, this is true even in a world where we do not know everything. So, take extra precautions when that sort of offer is being presented.
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