In this ever-evolving technological age, we are very reliant on the use of technology, every day we use technologies such as phones laptops and we use it so much that it became integrated to our daily lives. For example, every day we use an alarm app to wake us up, get our news from online sources, even sometimes post some original content on social media. With the emergence of these technological advances a new term came to sprout, a new term called digital literacy.
The Importance of Digital Literacy
As we progress, technologies have become more ubiquitous. This means that technology has become intricately integrated into our daily lives, which is why we need to understand and therefore be able to use it to its full potential.
Why it is important for digital marketersDigital literacy may sound like a mundane concept that you understand, but to thrive as digital marketers being exceptionally digitally literate brings an edge to your work. Being digitally literate does not only mean that you can use a technology well, it also meant understanding the nuances and complexity involved with the technology. Lets use Instagram as an example. Being digitally literate with Instagram means understanding the affordances that comes with the application, but it does not stop there. Being literate with Instagram also meant that you understand to not spam/be rude in the comments section or even knowing the best time to post on social media. Which is why, being digitally literate is one of the most important necessity for digital media marketers.
Fighting misinformationA lapse in Digital Literacy could lead to misinterpretation. Being digitally literate further means understanding your audience. Unfortunately not everybody have the same level of digital literacy. Living in an age where misinformation spreads like wildfire, it is important for digital marketers to address this problem by being prepared to mitigate those misinformation. Listed are some necessary steps to alleviate misinformation:
- Attach credible sources to your post
- Make sure you have relevant information
- Understand the context
Advanced digital literacy skillsEverybody can be digitally literate, but as a digital marketer you must be a master of digital literacy. Here are some skills that you need to thrive as a digital marketer.
- Learn about Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
- Paid advertisement
- Content creation
- and many more!