Emad Barsoum
HomeArticlesBooks & WritingScripts & FilmVideos & ShowsGalleryAbout
LoginSign Up

Emad Barsoum

Independent journalism focused on politics, social justice, and Canadian affairs. Dedicated to truth, transparency, and in-depth analysis.

Explore

  • Home
  • Articles
  • About
  • RSS Feed

Connect

  • Twitter / X
  • LinkedIn
  • Email Me

© 2026 Emad Barsoum. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of Service
General#Archive

The Digital Citizen and the freedom of Citizens

By Emad Barsoum•May 21, 2023•3 min read

In today's digital age, the concept of a "digital citizen" has become increasingly relevant. With the blast of internet access and technology, individuals can now participate in online communities, engage in digital activities, and interact with others in previously unimaginable ways. But what exactly does it mean to be a digital citizen, and what are the pros and cons of this evolving phenomenon?

At its core, being a digital citizen refers to the responsible and ethical use of digital technology and online resources. It involves the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for individuals to navigate the digital world and participate in digital communities effectively. Digital citizenship encompasses many areas, including online safety, digital literacy, digital etiquette, and digital rights and responsibilities.

One of the key advantages of being a digital citizen is the accessibility and convenience it offers. The internet has made information and resources readily available at our fingertips, whether on desktops, smartphones, or wristwatches, greatly expanding opportunities for education, employment, business and trade, and social interaction, making the digital world a valuable and empowering space for many.

One of the remarkable benefits of being a digital citizen is the potential for activism and civic engagement. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for individuals to voice their opinions, raise awareness about important issues, and mobilize for social and political change. Digital citizens can use social media and other online platforms to participate in discussions, advocate for causes, and promote positive change in their communities and beyond. Even create the power for fundamental political reforms and revolts.

Digital citizens tend to develop critical thinking skills, evaluate online information for reliability and accuracy, and separate between credible and misleading sources. Such an approach helps individuals become informed consumers of digital content. It empowers them to make well-informed decisions in their online interactions.

Despite the many advantages of being a digital citizen, there are substantial challenges and severe threats to human rights principles, the freedom of speech, and even the freedom of belief or disbelief.

While we are becoming digital citizens, there is the rise of digital oppression and persecution of any ideas that might contradict certain groups, whether political, religious, or dictator and totalitarian regimes, leading to issuing an ex-communication judgment by depriving some individuals of using specific platforms for a period or eternally even abuse and imprisonment.

The watchers of digital citizens became the digital inquisition or digital secret police. Their job is to silence any opposed opinion or any voice that is not in line with their agendas and their attempt to control the digital and non-digital world.

Our new digital citizenship is endangering our freedom as natural citizens.

← Back to Articles

You might also like

Texture

"Every new year arrives carrying hope. Hope is personal: better health, stability, dignity. Hope is shared among families and friends. And hope, on a larger scal..."

Canada

A New Year Without Illusions—A Canadian Reality Check

Jan 2, 2026
Texture

"News about a couple digging graves at night in search of gold or jewellery sounds like a dark story from an ancient world. It is the type of behaviour that was ..."

Automotive

A Warning from the Graveyard Rising crime and desperation show a society in danger

Dec 6, 2025
Texture

"Something is happening in Canada today that many people feel, but few want to say out loud. The country is losing its balance. The common sense that once shaped..."

Signs of social decline are everywhere.

Nov 13, 2025