koffee
Why do youths feel digital training seemingly unnecessary?
Writen by: Kheav Moro Kort, junior digital literacy researcher I had a chance to work as a junior digital literacy researcher for Sour Mouy. In collaboration with Sidekick, Sour Mouy employed the human-centered approach to research to explore why youths do what they do, seeking the reasons and understanding the emotions behind their action. The study selected samples from the three provinces based on factors, such as early dropout rates, incomes, and large ethnic populations. The findings of the research show that the digital lives of rural youth coming from low-income and education backgrounds are completely drowned in an ocean of pirated and scam-related content preying on their vulnerabilities, emotions, and fears. The digital content they, especially those with less income and education, consumed was almost 100 percent generated for the sole purpose of alluring or soliciting the person to accumulate online traffics such as “Like Farming or Like Harvesting”, as the findings demonstrated. The term Like Farming can be described as a technique in which scammers produce attention-getting posts designed to get many likes and shares. Once a page has reached enough likes to get a decent amount of traffic, it may be stripped of its original content and sold on the black market along with the personal information of followers and users who have engaged (like, react, share, comment) with it. The content served to them through matching algorithms can turn them into unconscious victims or accomplices in a modern generation of internet scams run by our behaviours and emotions. Because humans are emotional beings, often their decisions and actions are driven by their intuition and impulse rather than logic and contemplation. Throughout the interviews with rural youth informants, it comes to light that most of the rural youth are hard struggling with using social media apps and digital devices like smartphones. On top of that, training on how to run smart devices and apps are not seemingly necessary for them, despite their limited education. This shall reflect that digital literacy is being disregarded. The media content from sites or pages they engaged with was published without proper fact-checking mechanisms in place and being disseminated publicly from one to another. In the simplest sense, the contents they get mostly stemming from unreliable sources, unlike contents or information backed up with strong evidence and announced by news media or government agencies. Instead of just reacting and sharing, what rural youth should do is to be more aware of what they are consuming, the potential risks, be more responsible netizens, and more engaged with their own choices. Embracing media/digital literacy and critical thinking for effective use of social media is essential. Ones may know and understand the importance of having strong passwords and turning on the two-step verification process. But as digital illiterate, one may not realize the true nature of the daily contents they are consuming. Some types of content are pirated and scammed. Even if you are tech-savvy, it does not necessarily mean that you are always able to differentiate between fake and real news; therefore, one should equip themselves with media, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills. Media literacy is regarded as an ability to apply critical thinking skills into signs or symbols and messages that are transmitted through media. These essential 21st-century skills allow us to fully understand and evaluate all of the messages we encounter on a daily basis, leading us to make better choices about what we should choose to watch, read, and listen to. Media education navigates us through a complex media landscape to become more discerning, sharp in judgement, and to be thoughtful media consumers and users. Music, videos, TV shows, text messages, social media, online video games, advertising, news, educational contents, radio, newspapers, and other numerous forms of information are also considered media. To critically evaluate and analyse the content published, media literate looks at it from three angles, such as emotional, technical, and cognitive angle. Emotional skills in media literacy are about being aware of your own emotions and how you react towards a certain post. The technical angle here focuses on the state of being aware of how the platform (for example: Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok) works. Whereas cognitive aspects are concerned with the identification of reliable sources on social media; for instance, by analysing the number of followers, likes, published date or the user’s biography, etc. Being able to critically think about social media posts and online stories makes you a smart consumer of those products. The ability to understand how media is constructed and to identify the roles of media play in society, specifically politics, the values embedded and the beneficiaries from pushing those values are such invaluable skills. With skills in hand, time will not be wasted. These skills enable us to pass on the knowledge we have to other people and also to prevent certain media from dominating or exacerbating the society. Constantly and regularly asking yourself about social media posts you consume and engage with (like, share and comment), the nature and the way posts have been created, the motivation or purposes of the producer will somehow guide you to be a well-informed and critical media consumer. The goal of media literacy is not to prevent people from consuming media, but to transform people to become more informed and literate media consumers, helping them from being fall victims or unconscious accomplices of the dark side of social media.
Politik
Why Should We Normalize Political Discussion?
Written By: Samoeurth Seavmeng, 3rd Generation Leader of Politikoffee Edited by: Heng Kimkong, a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at Cambodia Development Center and a PhD Candidate in Education at The University of Queensland, Australia Photo Credit: Politikoffee Some of us have probably been told by our parents since we were children not to talk about politics. When we go to school, we are prohibited from discussing it with our classmates and teachers. After we graduate and get a job, we might get fired if we discuss politics in the office. For some people, in their entire lives, they might have never experienced talking about politics with their friends or acquaintances. In Cambodia, besides our socially accepted norms portraying politics as neither safe nor useful, our country bans political discussion among students and teachers. The numerous arrests and imprisonment of political activists and former CNRP members have made this practice worse. In this context, I believe the forbiddance and arrests have affected the mindset of every Cambodian citizen. Public discussions on topics such as Cambodian elections, corruption, governance, politics and public service delivery have been conducted by very few organizations in Cambodia for the public to join. When the discussions are conducted, the discussants generally would not dare to get deep into those sensitive issues. Some even censor themselves. These raise a few important questions: Why is talking politics not a habit among many Cambodian people? Why is politics considered a sensitive topic? What are the benefits if we discuss politics? The word discussion means exchanging ideas or views with other people or giving opinions on certain issues. Therefore, a political discussion means exchanging your ideas and opinions about politics. This does not necessarily mean attacking, criticizing or going against any individual or group of people. Having dialogues or discussions about politics with friends does not mean we have to be deeply involved in politics. Beneficially, political discussion helps increase our critical thinking skills and knowledge about our nation’s social and political affairs. It makes us become informed citizens. Once we have the knowledge of those issues and keep ourselves updated about their happenings, we can potentially keep politicians accountable for their actions. The more we know about politicians, the more they become more responsible Some people categorize politicians as “cheaters’’. We might often hear people say, “Politics is Cheating”. That is why people hate politics. Consequently, it makes politics too bad and even unbearable to discuss. Politicians could behave irresponsibly because they probably think we are politically illiterate. We do not have any ideas about what is going on, and especially we do not have an opinion about their actions. Not all politicians are bad, though. Politicians can also do good goods and we have many good politicians as well. For example, the global movement to end discrimination against women and LGTIQ+ people, the legality of same-sex marriages in some countries, and the campaigns to end gender inequality are some good things that politicians have done to make their society and the world a better place. It is important to understand that we all have the power to make them do that if we work together. When we become politically literate, more or less, politicians will become more accountable for their actions. It is because they know we have our eyes on them, and we know what they are up to. When politicians are elected to lead the country, they pledge to serve our national interests, not themselves. They are obliged to make good policies to serve us, address social problems and develop the country sustainably and inclusively. Social problems such as flooding, gang-rapes, traffic jams, unaffordable housing, and high price of petrol are all in the hands of politicians. They have the power to address all these issues. They have the power to influence private companies and other stakeholders to solve all these problems. As stated in the Oxford Handbook of Political Communication “Through political discussions, citizens’ opinions and perspectives are represented in their government, and in turn their government is more responsive to its citizens.” However, if we do not know our country’s political system and governance and policies and priorities of major political parties, it is hard for us to track politicians’ actions and keep them accountable. In contrast, if we know those affairs well and we keep ourselves updated about their actions, politicians will be more careful with every move they make. They are aware that we are checking their election campaign promises. We are informed and responsible citizens. We let them know that we have the power to elect them and we also have the power to vote them out of office. We need to let them know that we care about our country’s affairs just as much as they probably do. Political discussion may also make people become closer with one another and create a culture of sharing knowledge amongst peers with peers, colleagues with colleagues and family members and family members. They will become more understandable, open-minded and tolerant. As a result, it will reduce tension, conflict and misunderstanding. Ultimately, we will create a peaceful society where people do not get angry easily and are willing to have frank discussions to find solutions instead of coloring each other or getting into fights. We will also stop labelling people who do not have the same political beliefs or ideology as our enemies. Moreover, sharing knowledge about sociopolitical issues with colleagues can perhaps make the office environment more enjoyable and less stressful. Together for a politically literate society We are now more informed of what is happening in our country. Nevertheless, when it comes to politics, I believe we are still afraid to discuss it with our friends, colleagues and relatives to avoid “conflict” which potentially harms our friendships, professional networks and family bonds. Want it or not, our daily life cannot be separated from politics, thereby requiring our attention and participation. The importance of political discussion at the workplace: The purpose of discussing politics is not to cause conflicts or misunderstanding. It is to exchange ideas, information and opinions on political issues affecting our country. It is also to ease possible tensions and misunderstanding. Some people working in administration, finance and business, for example, might not keep themselves updated with the country’s status quo. They probably think it is not relevant to their work. However, the issues such as gang-rapes, traffic jams, flooding, unaffordable housing, high price of petrol have significant impacts on their lives. Therefore, having colleagues who are knowledgeable about social and political affairs could help them be informed and take appropriate actions if required. We need a majority of us to voice our concerns, from everyone and from every sector. Once our voices are heard, it is hard for them to ignore. Increasing political literacy in our society: Everyone should be able to talk about politics in public and private places. Those who do not work at offices can discuss with their peers and learn more from better informed friends. This does not necessarily mean we should discuss it all the time. We can do it when it is the right time. For example, we can engage in political discussion when there are concerns about social problems that are left unaddressed by politicians. I believe that when a culture of discussion becomes normal in our society and when everyone is aware of our country’s affairs, politicians cannot escape from their duties. Creating a good habit for the next generation Children impersonate their parents and people around them quickly, and adolescents look up to their seniors and surroundings. Accordingly, if we want the next generation to pay more attention to issues affecting their lives, we need to start normalizing political discussion from now on. Political talks with parents and relatives help to broaden knowledge and increase critical thinking for youth who will obtain crucial knowledge of their country’s affairs and politicians who lead their nation. This makes them familiar with politics and will not get easily influenced by anyone. I believe many young people are told by their parents to vote for a political party, which they probably have no idea what the party’s policy is about. Some do not care and just follow their peers or neighbors when it comes to voting. Our future will become more complicated with the rise of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, vicious diseases and uncontrollable climate change. Hence, we need informed, responsible and politically-minded people who could deal with those issues wholeheartedly. We cannot let private companies create policies for us. Regular political discussion is significant because it will result in better informed citizens who will be able to hold politicians accountable. More importantly, the next generation of Cambodians will become highly innovative politicians and policymakers who will be able to initiate important policies for Cambodia. Thus, normalizing political discussion is extremely crucial for Cambodian society. Not only does it give benefits to the Cambodian citizens to keep politicians accountable, but it could also transform the society to be a politically literate one. Suggestions I believe if we normalize political discussion, it will help improve the current and future landscape of politics in Cambodia. The world is rapidly changing; therefore, we need more innovative politicians and policymakers to enhance Cambodia’s competitiveness on the global stage. Normalizing political discussion is a great start. However, achieving it is not easy and it will take time and commitment. Therefore, in order to create an open political discussion environment in our society, we need active participation from everyone. First, we should try to know more about our duties in participating in politics and civic engagement. We should not consider politics as something only for politicians. Cambodia is our country so it is essential that we contribute to developing and improving it. Second, those who are more knowledgeable of sociopolitical affairs should share with the ones who know less about political issues. They should try to share with other people to make them well-informed of social and political issues impacting the country. Not everyone has the privilege to learn and keep themselves updated with important status quo. This action will also strengthen civic and political engagement of Cambodian citizens. “Sharing is Caring” is not only caring about other people but we care about our country’s affairs as well. Third, young people will inherit everything from the current politicians and leaders. It is crucial for them to participate in their country’s political affairs and development. Youth should start discussing politics more often with peers and do it as much as they can. Once they are able to do it, the next generation will follow suit. Consequently, they will be able to join in directing the country in the way they want it to be. Finally, the Cambodian government plays the most significant role to empower and promote political discussion. It should encourage the citizens to talk more about it rather than prohibit it. When the citizens become political-literate, they will help in providing valuable input that politicians need to lead the country to achieve sustainable development, prosperity and greatness.
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Since it was founded in 2011, Politikoffee has conducted nearly 250 weekly forums. We have had variety of guest speakers ranging from prominent activists, government officials, foreign diplomats, and ambassadors, NGOs/think tank leaders, researchers, and experts. Politikoffee aims at cultivating Democratic Political Culture in Cambodia through raising socio-political awareness and promoting the culture of discussion, debate, and challenge among youths, based on principles of national interest, open-mindedness, and fraternity.