KindType

new media & the new social order

Defining Literacy

Social Media Literacy can be defined stating from UNESCO’s definition of Media and Information Literacy (MIL), which is:

‘’A set of competencies that empowers citizens to access, retrieve, understand, evaluate and use, create as well as share information and media content in all formats, using various tools, in a critical, ethical and effective way in order to participate and engage in personal professional and societal activities. This means that a ‘media and information literate person must not only be a consumer of information and media content, but also a responsible information seeker, knowledge creator and innovator, who is able to take advantage of a diverse range of information and communication tools and media.’’

"It's an experience problem"

In our exploration of the challenges surrounding social media and its impact on teens and adolescents, it becomes evident that these issues are rooted in a larger problem: an experience problem. Each of the identified problems - privacy concerns, lack of knowledge, credibility issues, digital presence management, and limited engagement with the digital community - stems from users' firsthand experiences in the online world. These experiences directly impact their ability to effectively navigate the digital landscape, safeguard their privacy, access valuable resources, make well-informed decisions, maintain a positive digital identity, and actively engage with others. Resolving these issues necessitates an experiential approach that focuses on enhancing users' knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling them to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely, and fostering a more positive and fulfilling online experience.

Our Approach

We call for a new design intervention that is more teen-centric and places value on online responsibility and safety as an integral part of adolescent and developmental growth, teaching teens the skills and giving them the confidence to engage safely and smartly with others through the Internet.

INTRODUCING KINDTYPE

Introducing KindType, an in-context learning and wellbeing coach for adolescents (new social media users) and their guardians to bridge the gap between parental awareness and experiences in digital spaces. By taking a more ‘teen-centric’ instead of a ‘parent-centric’ approach to adolescent online safety, we help teens foster a stronger sense of personal agency for self-regulating their own online behaviours and managing online risks. 

KindType establishes a vital connection between teenagers and their guardians/parents, offering them access to easily understandable resources, relevant organisations, and digital support systems. It also fosters a network of friends, allies, and supporters, creating a community that prioritises safety and trust. This community is built upon the idea of learning and engagement on popular social media platforms, ensuring that teenagers have access to a supportive and secure environment as they navigate the online world.

SYSTEM STRUCTURES AND IMPACT

The blueprint for the system creates a seamless flow of interconnected components, working together to provide a user-friendly experience. It starts with users inputting text, which is then transmitted to social networks and other platforms for interaction. The user experience and logic component handles queries and delivers results while prioritising data security through authentication and encryption. It also keeps track of conversation data to ensure a comprehensive experience. The cognition and intelligence part employs advanced algorithms to understand user inputs and interact with technology for accurate outcomes. Quality assurance monitors system performance and incorporates user feedback for ongoing improvements. This dynamic ecosystem continuously adapts to users' needs, guaranteeing a secure and intuitive experience at every interaction.

KindType has a profound impact on both teens and parents. For teens, it builds digital literacy, grants quick access to resources, promotes online safety, and nurtures a positive environment. Parents benefit from reduced monitoring, active engagement, teaching tools, and a tension-free atmosphere. By fostering understanding and support, KindType creates a positive digital experience for both teens and parents, empowering them to navigate the online world with confidence.