We live in a digital society. Technological developments affect how we frame it. Young people have an interest in participating in the debate and decision-making around these developments. In the Technological Citizenship project, Waag, together with partners and youngsters, investigates the role of creative making processes in developing citizenship skills in young people in a digital society. Technological Citizenship thus implies that young people are not only able to use technology, but can also understand and question it.
Making processes, imagination and art play a role in making visible the issues at play in the future of digital society.
Citizenship skills involve learning to make trade-offs and choices for your own future. The use of technology can no longer be ignored. Think, for instance, of the use of the DigiD system.
In the first instance, we look at how the concept of technological citizenship can be interpreted by young people. Previous surveys have shown that young people are a disadvantaged group when it comes to engaging in dialogue about the impact of technology on broad health and democratic engagement. Although the vast majority of young people have at least basic digital skills, there appear to be differences within the 'youth' category in terms of educational attainment.
Through eight workshops, Waag in 2023 explores with young people how creative practices can play a role in making social issues visible and discussable. Making processes, imagination and art play a role in making visible the issues at play in the future of digital society.
This role is explored for the creative industry; an umbrella term for organisations focused on harnessing artistry and intellectual property. The creative industries play an important role in socially responsible innovation.
Technological Citizenship is a collaboration between Stichting Designathon Works, Waag, New Tech Kids, en Het Rathenau Instituut. A grant was provided for this collaboration by the ClickNL. .
