Digital Culture & Society (DCS) - Vol. 4, Issue 2/2018 - Digital Citizens

Digital Culture & Society is an international journal that examines how digital technologies, platforms, and applications reshape daily lives and practices. This special issue explores theoretical and artistic investigations into citizen engagement, digital citizenship, and grassroots information politics, reflecting on the role of the digital citizen from various perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Digital Culture & Society is a prestigious, international journal dedicated to fostering insightful discussions on the profound ways in which digital technologies, platforms, and applications reshape our daily lives and practices. It serves as a vibrant forum for critical analysis and exploration into the realm of digital media theory, offering a platform for interdisciplinary research approaches, contemporary theory developments, and methodological innovation. In this special issue, we delve into theoretical and artistic investigations surrounding citizen engagement, digital citizenship, and grassroots information politics. The articles featured in this edition reflect upon the multifaceted role of the digital citizen from the perspectives of (digital) sociology, science, technology, and society (STS), (digital) media studies, cultural studies, political sciences, and philosophy.

Digital technologies have revolutionized the way we interact with the world, transforming our social, economic, and cultural landscapes. The emergence of social media platforms, online communities, and digital communication tools has created new opportunities for citizen engagement, activism, and information sharing. However, this digital revolution has also brought about challenges and complexities, such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.

Citizen engagement, defined as the active participation of individuals in society, has been significantly impacted by digital technologies. Online platforms and social media have provided new avenues for citizens to express their opinions, mobilize support for causes, and hold governments accountable. However, the rise of social media algorithms and echo chambers has also led to the polarization of political discourse and the spread of false information.

Digital citizenship, a concept that encompasses the rights, responsibilities, and behaviors of individuals in the digital age, has become increasingly important as our lives become more intertwined with technology. It involves developing digital literacy skills, being aware of online risks, and actively engaging in digital communities. Digital citizenship also emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible behavior in the digital realm, such as protecting personal data, respecting intellectual property, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Grassroots information politics, on the other hand, refers to the efforts of individuals and communities to gather, analyze, and disseminate information in the absence of traditional media outlets. This has been particularly relevant in the context of recent political movements, such as the Arab Spring and the Black Lives Matter movement, where social media has played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing people. Grassroots information politics has also challenged the power of mainstream media and traditional political institutions, promoting a more democratic and inclusive information ecosystem.

The articles featured in this special issue explore the various dimensions of citizen engagement, digital citizenship, and grassroots information politics. They offer a rich tapestry of perspectives, drawing from a diverse range of disciplines, including sociology, media studies, cultural studies, political science, and philosophy. The authors examine the role of the digital citizen in shaping our society, the challenges and opportunities that arise from the digital revolution, and the strategies that can be employed to promote citizen engagement, digital literacy, and ethical behavior in the digital age.

In conclusion, Digital Culture & Society is a vital platform for exploring the complex interplay between digital technologies, platforms, and society. This special issue provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on citizen engagement, digital citizenship, and grassroots information politics. By fostering critical analysis and interdisciplinary research, we can better understand the implications of the digital revolution and work towards a more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable digital future.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 239 x 155 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837644777