Data Literacy defined pro populo: To read this article, please provide a little information

Abstract

Data literacy is of fundamental importance in societies that emphasize extensive use of data for information and decision-making. Yet, prior definitions for data literacy fall short of addressing the myriad ways individuals are shepherds of, and subjects to, data. This article proposes a definition to accurately reflect the individual in society, including knowledge of what data are, how they are collected, analyzed, visualized and shared, and the understanding of how data are applied for benefit or detriment, within the cultural context of security and privacy. The article concludes by proposing opportunities, strengths, limitations and directions for future research.