Digital Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Why is Questioning Information and Using it Ethically Necessary?

The digital age makes access to information possible with a speed and ease unlike any previous era. Now, millions of pieces of data worldwide can be accessed within seconds. However, this abundance of information brings new challenges. Evaluating the accuracy, reliability, source, and context of the obtained information has become as critical as accessing it. At this point, the concept of digital literacy emerges as an indispensable competence for contemporary individuals to succeed both in education and daily life.

What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is a comprehensive skill set that goes beyond the use of technology, encompassing processes such as accessing information, analyzing information, interpreting, critically evaluating, ethically sharing, and creating content. It can be considered a new form of traditional literacy and is a fundamental skill that everyone needs to acquire in the rapidly digitalizing world.

A common misconception among young people is the belief that everyone who grows up with technology is automatically digitally literate. However, being proficient in the digital environment is not just about using devices or browsing the internet. Digital literacy is intertwined with complex cognitive skills such as critical thinking, ethical awareness, and media and information literacy.

Artificial Intelligence and the Learning Process

In recent years, artificial intelligence technologies have been rapidly spreading in the field of education as well. Students and educators find opportunities to personalize, accelerate, and enrich their learning processes thanks to AI-supported tools. However, the effective use of these technologies is directly related to our approach to artificial intelligence.

Seeing artificial intelligence merely as a tool that "easily summarizes" underestimates its potential. Artificial intelligence can be used like a "teacher" that asks questions appropriate to the student's level, provides guidance, and motivates when necessary. In this way, artificial intelligence transforms passive information consumption into active learning. The learning process transforms from one that merely stimulates passive consumption to one that enhances its quality and efficiency as one becomes more aware of this. Transitioning to this stage is possible by learning and reading about machine learning and artificial intelligence components, just like in every field.

However, the accuracy of the content suggested by artificial intelligence should be questioned and critically evaluated by the user. For example, questions like "Why was this statement suggested?" and "Is an alternative approach possible?" move the AI outputs away from passive acceptance.

Ethical Use and Transparency

Transparency in AI-generated content is an ethical necessity. In academic settings or on social media, the parts of the content prepared with the support of artificial intelligence should be indicated. This is important not only from an ethical standpoint but also in terms of reliability and accountability.

At the same time, producing original content in the digital environment, respecting copyright, and consciously managing one's digital footprint are fundamental components of digital citizenship.

The Social Importance of Digital Literacy

Nowadays, everyone is a content publisher through social media and digital platforms. Especially during times of crisis (such as natural disasters, pandemics, and wars), the spread of misinformation can cause significant societal harm. Therefore, digital literacy is not just an individual skill but a societal responsibility.

Digitally literate individuals prevent information pollution, support the dissemination of reliable information, and contribute to the healthy continuation of social communication.

Creative Thinking and Digital Production

Not only consuming technology but also using it creatively is an important aspect of digital literacy. Writing blogs, creating podcasts, and producing digital graphics and videos enable the youth of this era to be not just consumers of information but also active producers.

Thus, students not only acquire technical skills but also develop their critical and creative thinking abilities.

While aiming for the younger generation to strengthen such skills with digital literacy, different suggestions are provided below:

6 Tips for High School Students to Succeed in Digital Literacy

1. Question the Source of Information: To verify the information you see on the internet, compare different sources. Pay attention to the reliability, currency, and impartiality of the source.

   
   

2. Use Artificial Intelligence Critically: Question the information you get from artificial intelligence, and add your interpretation and analysis.

   
   

3. Be Ethical and Transparent: Don't hesitate to indicate when your content is created with the support of artificial intelligence.

   
   

4. Create Original Content: Use technology creatively to produce your digital products.

   
   

5. Manage Your Digital Footprint: Know who can see your posts and consciously build your digital identity.

   
   

6. Continuous Learning: Digital technologies are constantly changing. Be open to learning and improving with new tools.

Test Yourself: Measure Your Digital Literacy Level!

Finally,

Scan the QR code I shared at the end of the article and take our short test. You can measure how conscious you are in the digital world and see your strong areas and areas open to improvement.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are powerful tools that, when used correctly, facilitate access to information and enrich learning processes. However, it is essential to use critical thinking, ethical awareness, and creative production skills when interacting with these technologies. Digital literacy is the key to raising successful individuals in the world of the future.