What is DQ?
The impact of technology in society is widespread and accelerating. As its volume grows exponentially, experts predict that 90% of the entire population will be connected to the internet within 10 years. Ten years ago, tech savvy meant having an email address. Today Facebook records a billion daily active accounts and the battle for social media dominance is underway. These changes herald exciting possibilities. But they also create uncertainty and our kids are at the centre of this dynamic change.
In addition to IQ and EQ, DQ (Digital Intelligence Quotient) is a collection of social emotional and cognitive abilities that help someone deal with the demands of living a digital life.
“It is having the necessary knowledge, skills and ability to adapt one’s emotions and adjust one’s behaviour to deal with the challenges and demands of the digital era.
Beyond knowledge, these abilities must be rooted in human values of integrity, respect, empathy and prudence. These values enable the wise and responsible use of technology – an attribute which will mark the leaders of tomorrow; (DQ institute official definition). “
Ok and that means what?
How we communicate and act online speaks to the variety of outcomes we in turn, view or read about daily. Protection of our private information, how much we know about the devices we use and how we behave with each other online all play a part to determine our DQ.
How is DQ measured?
Digital Identity – Determines your presence online and knowing the impact of your actions.
Digital Use – Knowledge about the devices and media you control and balancing online with offline.
Digital Safety – Knowledge of how to manage risks online (cyberbullying)
Digital Security – Knowledge of cyber threats (hacking, scams, malware) and using security
Digital EQ – Being empathetic and building good relationships online.
Digital Communication – Communicating and collaborating with others online.
Digital Literacy – Knowledge of finding, evaluating, utilizing, sharing and creating content as well as computational thinking.
Digital Rights – Ability to understand and uphold personal and legal rights. (privacy, intellectual property, freedom of speech and protection from hate speech.) (DQproject.org)
Values are the key.
High DQ is only possible supported by positive core values; integrity, respect, empathy and prudence are your foundation. Given kids see more screen time than faces, it is critical these values are taught early to give our children control over technology rather than the other way around.
Low DQ lacks that tech savviness expressed above whether in knowledge or values. It simply means one who lives a digital life will have difficulty identifying malicious behaviour aimed at them or in the case of parents, not able to spot digital ‘red flags’ of children drawn to a darker side of technology.
So why does it matter?
We know kids will adopt new technologies faster and often find unintended uses of that technology much quicker. Being able to spot nefarious activity is only one aspect.
As a society, we need to be aware of the Digital Age Gap. Children use technology very differently from adults. This gap exposes the risks and threats that make it difficult for parents and educators to prepare our children to avert unacceptable behaviour.
What can we do?
Think of increasing DQ as you would approach a drivers’ license or learners permit. Seek out qualified facilitators to introduce programs in schools and communities that offer learning and training to children, parents and educators. This is transferable knowledge that is relevant in both our personal and professional lives. IQ, EQ and DQ all cross those boundaries.
