23-3-2024 (BANGKOK) The ASEAN Foundation, with support from Google.org, has unveiled pivotal research findings on digital literacy during the ASEAN Regional Symposium held on March 20, 2024. Titled “One Divide or Many Divides? Underprivileged ASEAN Communities’ Meaningful Digital Literacy and Response to Disinformation,” the study delves into the digital engagement of underprivileged ASEAN communities, aiming to establish a baseline understanding of digital literacy’s role in recognizing and responding to disinformation within these communities.
This research is a cornerstone of the ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme (ASEAN DLP), which has empowered over 190,000 individuals across ASEAN with essential digital literacy skills. The ASEAN DLP, facilitated by the ASEAN Youth Advisory Group, encompasses various initiatives, including direct outreach, onsite activities, and an e-learning platform addressing misinformation.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation, emphasized the significance of the research, inviting stakeholders to discuss its findings. The study, conducted across all 10 ASEAN member states, sheds light on varying levels of critical thinking and privacy protection competence.
According to the report, critical thinking skills and privacy protection competence differ significantly across ASEAN countries. Thailand exhibits lower critical thinking skills compared to neighboring Cambodia, while the Philippines lags in privacy protection competence behind Singapore. Despite the Philippines’ high internet and social media usage rates, it faces substantial challenges with digital illiteracy and the spread of disinformation.
The research underscores the urgent need for proactive measures, including enhancing digital literacy among youth and incorporating media literacy into education curricula. It calls for collaborative efforts between government agencies and stakeholders to combat misinformation effectively.
The ASEAN Foundation aims to stimulate discussions and collaborative efforts to address digital literacy challenges in the ASEAN region. Google.org’s Marija Ralic expressed pride in supporting the ASEAN Foundation’s mission to empower ASEAN communities through digital literacy programs.
The symposium, attended by various stakeholders and digital literacy experts, concluded with a panel discussion on strategies for inclusive digital literacy in ASEAN, highlighting empowerment initiatives for underprivileged communities.
