refers to the ability of individuals, communities, and organizations to adapt and cope with digital disruptions, such as cyber-attacks, data breaches, and system failures.
The ability to find, evaluate, and utilize information effectively, critically assess online content, and understand digital technologies and tools.
Knowledge of online threats, privacy settings, and safe practices to protect personal information and maintain a secure online presence.
The ability to cultivate a positive digital reputation by being mindful of online behaviors, interactions, and the impact of one’s digital footprint.
Maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities, managing screen time, practicing self-care, and fostering positive digital habits.
by Marjan Milošević, University of Kragujevac
The digital landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, driven by numerous disruptive events. These shifts have accelerated the transition to online modes of work, learning, and business, underscoring the importance of understanding and developing digital resilience.
In the past decade, disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, military conflicts and earthquakes caused shift to online-paradigm in everyday working and learning activities. Additionally, a special form of resilience has attracted researchers’ and practitioners’ attention: digital resilience, a component of resilience that is related to use of digital tools and environments. Paradigm of working online sustained after the pandemic was tamed, as it showed up to be both efficient and cost effective. It is suggested there is a reason to expect a long-term increase in the prevalence of remote work, particularly among specific industries and demographic groups .
Similar implications are true for online teaching and learning. The flexibility and learners’ opportunity that have emerged from the necessity are reported to likely shift the expectations of students and educators, eliminating further the line between classroom-based instruction and virtual learning. Other means of e-business also rose to their prominence, especially e-commerce, following its explosive growth in 2020. Research of resilience in digital environment therefore gained its importance, as the increased use of digital technology has led to a spike in the rates of webinar fatigue, technology-use anxiety, and digital burnout, but also with increased security threats, that severely impacts e-business.
Definition of digital resilience is either indistinct or inconsistent in different studies. UK Council defines the term as a dynamic personality asset growing digital activation, through engaging with appropriate opportunities and challenges online, rather than through avoidance and safety behaviours. Helsper & Smirnova define digital resilience as “the ability of individuals, communities, and systems to withstand and recover from the negative effects of digital technologies, including cyber-bullying, online harassment, and information overload” . In their research, they defined a three-component model of digital resilience, comprising digital literacy, digital citizenship and digital well-being. A more general definition is given by Reeves, McKenney & Herrington: “Digital resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities, and organizations to adapt and cope with digital disruptions, such as cyber attacks, data breaches, and system failures.”
In many cases there is a straight equal sign put between “digital literacy” and “digital resilience”, while some authors do not go so far, merely pointing out that there is a positive relationship between digital resilience and digital literacy. The social factor is explicitly stated by Jenkins & Frenzel, who insist on involving combination of digital literacy, social support, and coping strategies enabling individuals to navigate the challenges and risks of digital environments. Eventually, digital literacy can be seen with the effective and ethical understanding and use of digital technologies, whereas digital resilience is related to the capacities of accessing, using, understanding, and spreading effective digital sources and common manipulative techniques, in particular, behavioural and attitudinal change aspects.
As the world continues to adapt to an online-centric paradigm, digital resilience has emerged as a critical area of study and practice. The transition to remote work, online learning, and e-commerce has not only proven to be efficient but also highlighted the need for robust digital resilience strategies. The varying definitions and components of digital resilience—ranging from digital literacy to the broader ability to cope with digital disruptions—reflect the complexity of navigating our increasingly digital world. With rising concerns over webinar fatigue, technology-use anxiety, and digital burnout, as well as heightened security threats, it is clear that fostering digital resilience is essential for both individuals and organizations. As we move forward, understanding and enhancing digital resilience will be pivotal in ensuring that we can effectively harness the benefits of digital technologies while mitigating their risks.
