Nicole Mathewson
Global citizenship is a tough thing to define, but for many young people it’s simply about embracing those around us, regardless of who they are or where they are from. And with modern technology, embracing people from around the world is not such a hard thing to achieve. Through the rise of social networking websites and the emergence of the “citizen journalism”, notions of global participation are being dramatically redefined.
The internet has revolutionised the way in which we communicate and share information. At the click of a button we are able to connect with millions of people around the world. Social networking websites like Myspace.com and Bebo.com are especially popular with young people. There are no limits around who you can communicate with — no limits in number (have as many “friends” as you want), no limits due to language (free translation sites are readily available) and no limits in geography (the whole world is figuratively at your fingertips).
However, this new technological age isn’t just about socialising; it’s creating an opportunity for a global citizenship — one we feel we can actually engage in directly. Traditionally, young people have not been keen followers of news and current affairs (arguably awareness of global citizenship.)
The internet provides alternative sources of news and alternative ways of consuming it. It offers the best of the traditional mediums — audio, video and text — while being regularly updated and available to view at any time. There is also the opportunity for young people to become “citizen” journalists. Through things like blogs, discussion boards and personal websites all of us have the chance to share news, information and our own views on the world. While we have the chance to share our voice with the rest of the world, we’re also being exposed to voices from other people and other cultures, creating a generation with more global awareness than those that came before.
Even the social networking sites are being used for more than just socialising. The Darfur Action Network (based in the USA, but with international members) on Myspace aims to create awareness of the situation in Darfur, Sudan, and teaches members how to become active campaigners. No More Excuses on Bebo.com includes a photo petition to the New Zealand government about their international aid commitment. These groups (and hundreds of others) have their own websites, but most of the real networking and awareness work happens through these social networking sites.
The sites are accessible, free to use, incorporate a variety of activities (photos, video, audio, messaging, and blogging, just to name a few!) and are a key tool we can use to exercise our global citizenship. And they’re changing the way we organise campaigns - online’ communities replace neighbourhood meetings, emails replace newsletters and online petitions replace street stalls. This technology is quick, cheap and simple has the potential to mobilise thousands around the globe to act, in an instant.
Technology is shrinking distances and limitations, allowing the feeling that we are all connected to grow. The internet is helping young people in Aoteaora New Zealand feel like we can be part of something much larger than the small groups we are used to (school, sports teams etc). Young people are becoming increasing aware of the role we can play in creating change at a global level. We are not just citizens of our home town; we are citizens of the world.
This article was originally published in EXPAND Magazine.
Tags: internet, youth activism