Information in digital spaces for the construction of citizenship

Abstract

Within the scope of information for social participation in political and democratic processes, this article addresses the study of one specific type of citizenship; one that not only obtains and consults information, but also generates and enriches it. This type of information shapes public opinion as well as certain types of political participation and connection between society and government. The article conducts a critical literary review on the subject matter and provides an approximation of the concept of digital citizenship. The article attempts to provide a referential framework on the current status of internet usage-and particularly digital social networks-as a means of consulting political information and forming public opinion. The article concludes by cautioning that, while information and communication technologies offer interesting mechanisms for consulting and creating information to build digital citizenship, there are issues that should considered relating to the quality and veracity of the information that the digital citizenry is using to be involved in the development of public issues.