Building digital culture. The power of the virtual [articol]

Abstract

The paper focuses on the issue of digital culture. Digital culture has been defined as the right culture for the Internet age and this definition refers to the many and varied information available on the Internet that users have access to. The creation of digital content has become a necessity in the information society. The second part of the paper refers to virtual communities. Virtual communities are as real as possible and illustrate a particular culture, a culture that involves the valorisation of freedom. The next part of the paper deals with the idea of digital natives, digital literacies and digital abilities that children need to learn. A widespread idea in society is the existence of an inter-generations digital divide that makes young people born in the internet era to be digital natives, translated into a spontaneous knowledge of the use of digital technology. Digital literacy refers to the understanding and interpretation of all texts, images and video materials, whatever their level of complexity and whatever channel they are broadcast. The last part of the paper focuses on the benefits of technology use in English for Specific Purposes. Technology allows ESP learners to collaborate and engage in authentic communication in their professional discourse community, to access up-to-date information relevant to their profession, and to publish their ideas. The conclusion is that the ability to communicate unrestrictedly, to inform and express their opinions, gives citizens a good means of participating in the public debate, becoming active members of the community.