The very definition of 'digital literacy' appears to be changing
'Digital literacy is not just the skill of using a device
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Sunayana Sonawane / Pune: The time of thinking that we can handle mobile, send money through UPI, shop online means that we are digitally literate is over. artificial intelligence (AI), the increasing use of deepfakes, fake websites and fake information is changing the very definition of 'digital literacy'. Recognizing whether a message, photo, video or sound received on a mobile phone is real or artificial is now becoming the new test of digital literacy.
This need is more felt in a city like Pune, which is a leader in the use of technology. From online banking to government services, most transactions have come to mobile. At the same time, new ways of building trust using citizens' personal information, photographs and voice have also emerged.
'Digital literacy is not just the skill of using a device. It is equally important to know where the information comes from, how to check its authenticity and where not to give your information,' says an expert in the technology sector.
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A new test of digital literacy
Previously: Ability to use mobile, internet and online transactions.
Now:
* AI generated photo-video recognition
* Checking the possibility of deepfake and fake noise
* Identify fake websites and messages
* Verifying information on social media
* Understanding the permissions granted to the app
* Using passwords, passkeys and multi-layer security
Questions to Ask Yourself Before 'Clicking'
– Where did this information come from?
– Is the website official?
– Is the photo or video real?
– Is the other person really the same?
– It is necessary to independently check the information without haste especially in the messages like 'send money urgently', 'account will be closed', 'this opportunity is last'.
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Pune's cyber reality
743 in Pune city in 2025 Cyber crimeshas been reported and the citizens have suffered a loss of about Rs. 221 crores. Therefore, along with digital skills, awareness of digital security has become necessary.
Today the question is 'can mobile be used?' That's not all. An important question is whether it is possible to determine whether the information seen on the mobile phone is true or not. Everyone needs to get into the habit of verifying information, especially in the face of AI-generated fake text, images, sounds and videos.
– Vineet Gaikwad, Technology Expert