DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF INTERNET USERS social, political and psychological case study aspects

Abstract

Digital competence has been studied here as a holistic social and psychological phenomenon characterizing the ability of an individual to act in the information society. Digitizing various spheres of life requires readiness and ability to constantly master the latest information and communication technologies, competently (quickly and qualitatively, consciously and responsibly) assess their opportunities and risks any modern person has to demonstrate. Today digital competence is viewed via social content, it is defined through an attitude to efficient activities in information society, and personal attitude to these activities. All that is based on a sense of responsibility, the ability and willingness of any individual to confidently, effectively, critically and safely choose and apply information and communication technologies in various life spheres. Studying digital competence has now acquired even political and psychological attributes. The digital competence in information society enables a person to navigate in the dynamic digital environment of the Internet, build his or her own style of Internet communication, interact with other social actors presenting different cultures, and approve autonomous decisions in social interaction levels from local and national to European and international. Also, it contributes to the efficient use of information and communication environment in solving the national problems (his or her country), the problems in territorial communities and a person’s private life. The digital competence structure reveals its main components, namely, information and communication together, motivation and responsibility components. All of them are closely interconnected and interdependent, thus giving the effect of mutual influence and interpenetration. The pilot empirical study results show that one quarter of Internet users has a high overall digital competency index, more than half Internet users have a medium level, and only each seventh user has got low digital competency level. The motivational component index is manifested the least way compared to other components within digital competence structure. Thus, the overwhelming majority of respondents cannot solve problems on the Internet occurring due to scammers, dishonest politicians, officials, providers. This majority are unable to recognize and expose manipulative technologies, i.e. they are not ready to assume responsibility for risks when addressing digital technologies. Only half the respondents demonstrated readiness to acquire additional knowledge in this area (motivational component). There was made a conclusion that we face the necessity to study digital competence motivational component as it provides the greatest digital competence development to the biggest extend. An assumption that both motivational and the responsibility components determine the civil competence development of any person.