Digital Footprints: Navigating the Path of Storytelling and Digital Safety

Digital technology is swiftly reshaping society, offering remarkable improvements to the human way of life and opening more digital opportunities especially for the young people. Digital benefits coexist with digital divides, where different groups have unequal access to digital technology. The numerous opportunities afforded by digital growth come with notable exploitations and unforeseen repercussions, highlighting the need for digital safety.

Digital safety mainly refers to the individual’s ability to protect their personal information from unauthorized access, thereby mitigating associated risks on various digital platforms. In today’s digital age, safeguarding personal information is crucial. As young people leverage digital platforms to tell their stories, protecting personal data is paramount to maintaining their privacy. Prioritizing digital safety helps prevent identity theft, cyberbullying, and other forms of digital harm, promoting a safer and healthier online experience.                                                         

As the access of the internet continue to expand and evolve to meet the demands of the modern life, the number of internet users is expected to increase rapidly. Globally, within the next five years, the number of internet users is projected to rise by 47% from 5.35 billion in 2024 to 7.9 billion in 2029. Individuals aged 24 and below are more likely to have internet access and are actively engaged in digital spaces compared to those aged 25 and older.

Kenya presents a compelling case in the digital age with over 13.05 million internet users, a significant portion of whom are young people who form 66% of the users. This demographics’ engagement with digital tools and platforms drives the rapid technological advancement and connectivity across the globe. Young Kenyans are at the forefront of social, and educational development, leveraging the internet to tell their stories of impact on various platforms.

One pivotal moment during the WIISTalk was the panel discussion featuring a team of young storytellers, who use film and theatrical productions to tell their story and inspire positive change in the community. The team has been addressing various issues faced in the society today, including climate change, gender-based violence and also peacebuilding initiatives. These panelists shared their personal narratives and experiences while navigating the digital landscape, offering invaluable perspectives on leveraging social media positively while safeguarding personal information. They acknowledged various challenges in the online community and encouraged the participants to become advocates for digital safety among their peers.

The storytellers also highlighted various strategies they have applied to bring more young people in storytelling through film making. These strategies include using word-of-mouth invitations, online poster campaigns, and community-level workshops which enabled them to reach a broader youth audience within their community, empowering them to be part of their stories through art production.

Tips to Creating a Safe Digital Space

The youth learnt that ensuring a safe digital environment involves several practical tips which if adhered to, we can build a secure digital environment for everyone. First, only connecting to trusted networks to prevent unauthorized access to personal information. Public Wi-Fi networks can be particularly risky, making it essential to avoid them for sensitive connections. Second, being cautious when giving personal information reduces the risk of identity theft.

For security reasons, a delay in sharing one’s current location to avoid potential threats was encouraged. Real-time posting can expose individuals to stalking by online predators and other dangers. The youth were encouraged to share personal locations later after leaving the particular locations. Additionally, they were encouraged to regularly adjust privacy settings to enhance their security further. This simple step can help you control who sees your posts and minimize exposure to potential threats.

Finally, they learnt the importance of exercising caution while accessing random links, as clicking unknown links exposes one to phishing sites or malware downloads. Verifying links before clicking always ensures their legitimacy. In addition, the youth learnt that disabling automatic downloads also helps prevent the installation of malicious software which helps protect devices from hackers who could access and misuse their personal information.

Some of the youth present during the WIISTalk acknowledged to have faced cyberbullying previously but did not know how to actually deal with it. They appreciated that this event opened their minds to cope with such challenges and become responsible digital citizens. Being the most active group on the digital spaces, with the tips learnt the young people will continue ensuring their safety as they build and shape a generation of citizens who are skilled at leveraging digital technology the changes for positive transformation.

The workshop culminated in a commitment to continuous learning and advocacy for digital literacy. Participants were encouraged to serve as ambassadors of digital safety within their schools and communities. Reflecting on the WIISTalk, it is evident that young people continue to play a crucial role in equipping their peers with essential skills in the dynamic technological world. The youth acknowledged to have been empowered to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and responsibility.

Conclusion

The rapid changes in digital technology requires a comprehensive approach to digital safety while storytelling. By adopting the strategies learnt from the event, young people can protect their personal information, engage more effectively in telling their stories and foster a safe and supportive online environment.

While the internet opens a world full of possibilities for the youth, without safety education it exposes them to various dangers. As the young people continue to tell their stories in the digital age, we hope initiatives like these will be instrumental in shaping a generation of digital citizens who are skilled at leveraging technology for positive change while safeguarding their personal and collective well-being.