Digital Literacy: Skills That Build Confidence
Understanding devices and apps is only the start. Confidence comes from use and connection
Series Introduction Post: Why Words Matter in AgeTech
Definition:
Digital literacy means being able to find, understand, and use digital tools safely and effectively, from smartphones and laptops to email, online forms, and AI chat tools. The meaning of “literacy” itself keeps evolving, now encompassing information literacy and AI literacy as essential skills for navigating today’s world.
Why it matters:
Technology moves fast, but learning never stops. For older adults, digital literacy can mean staying in touch with family, managing healthcare, or joining community activities online. It also shapes trust: when people understand the basics, they are more willing to try new tools.
Personal note:
I recently joined the Digital Equity Initiative in Arlington, Virginia, a local effort to make technology access and education more inclusive. My focus will be on digital literacy, helping people build the skills and comfort to use technology on their own terms.
The broader picture:
Digital literacy is the foundation, but it connects closely with other forms of literacy. ‘’Information literacy’‘ helps us decide what to believe and how to use information responsibly. ‘’AI literacy’‘ adds a new layer: understanding how artificial intelligence systems shape what we see, recommend, and trust. Together, these literacies form the toolkit for lifelong learning in a digital world.
Example:
A class that teaches how to spot scams, organize photos, or use telehealth is not just about software. It is about participation and autonomy. So far, I have delivered mostly classes related to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), but I look forward to expanding my “offerings.”
What to watch:
Digital literacy is not a one-time achievement. As technology changes, so do the skills we need. That is why ongoing, community-based learning, not just one-off workshops, matters most.
Learn more:
National Digital Inclusion Alliance – What Is Digital Literacy?
Good point about using the term “digital skills” instead of “digital literacy” in the context of community work to avoid implications of any form of “illiteracy.” The term “digital skills” reflects asset-based language.Arlington, VA – Digital Equity Initiative — Check out digital equity and/or digital literacy efforts in your area and this broader list of resources.
Next up: Aging in Place Technology, tools that help us stay where we feel most at home.