Module 7: Digital Well-being
Fundamentals of Digital Well-being
Defining the principle of digital well-being
Digital well-being is the mindfulness of intentionally developing a healthy relationship between self and technology. This healthy relationship should apply both professionally and personally.
Digital well-being promotes balance and healthy digital habits. The goal is for the user to maintain a balanced and healthy life.
Digital well-being may also be referred to as digital well-being or digital health.
Learner notes
Fundamental knowledge of digital well-being
- Understand how to manage digital technology effects through an Indigenous lens.
- Appreciate the effects of screen time.
- Know how to have a healthy relationship with digital technology through healthy boundaries and balance.
- Practice, role model, and teach these fundamentals to your students.
An Indigenous perspective
Let’s look at digital well-being through an Indigenous lens.
“The diversity of Indigenous ways of knowing that span across Turtle Island is reflected within each community. These ways of knowing embody Indigenous communities: cultural and traditional practices that may be integrated to support the best practices of digital wellness. Indigenous concepts for the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical components of digital wellness are based on shared intergenerational knowledge and values within families and communities. This information is typically passed down by Elders or Knowledge Keepers to community and family members.”
Learner notes
Indigenous healing and well-being are achieved through the balance and inter-relationships of the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical components of health and well-being, and extend beyond the individual to include family, community, and relationships with the land (Absolon, 2010; Field et al., 2022).
Quote source and recommended reading: Stepping Stone 5: Indigenous Concepts of Health and Wellness Part 1
We can support our digital well-being based on Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Attributions
- “Medicine Wheel” by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is used under fair dealing.