Shift Happens

5 Shifts or Trends highlighted by this clip that may impact on the behaviour of digital citizens:

1. Unique online newspaper readers is on the up and traditional print purchases on the decline.

2. Digital book scanners can now scan 1000 pagers per hour.

3. Americans have access to 65000 iPhone apps.

4. There are 250 million visitors every month to MySpace Facebook and YouTube

5. 95% of all songs downloaded weren't paid for.

In terms of providing information policy to cater for these shifts...

There are massive implications for society when you consider the impact of these trends. As an employer, or CEO of any organisation (schools and libraries included) information policy needs to be updated and relevant to current trends. If more people are using online newspaper readers does this mean the paper is being read at the office desk, and if so, is this time away from pressing work. Considering the great incline in access to MySpace, Facebook and YouTube as well as the availability of apps for smartphones an employer must be concerned that time at work is spent on online devices rather than engaged with work.

For young people sending thousands of text messages, operating multiple online accounts and profiles, tweeting, posting, uploading, downloading... this must all take time and time away from other pursuits.

Of course all this online activity does support work and learning and collaborating effectively, however where does information policy draw the line and assist people in ensuring correct and appropriate usage for the greatest benefit for all?

• We need Information policy that endorses greater education of and support for Creative Commons and understanding of copyrighting laws.
• Information policy needs to address acceptable online usage policies for all work and educational institutions.
• All people need to be able to gain access to online learning and collaborating through social networks and social media.
• Information policy needs to address using the Internet safely and ensuring privacy.