Heidi Boghosian’s book, Cyber Citizens: Saving Democracy with Digital Literacy, serves as a crucial call to action for a society grappling with diminishing civic engagement and the manipulation of truth in the digital realm. As the director of the AJ Muste Foundation for Peace and Justice, Boghosian emphasizes the urgent need for digital literacy and civics education, which she argues are essential for fostering meaningful democratic participation amid the threats of misinformation and surveillance capitalism.
The book is divided into three main sections: “Back to Basics,” “Democracy in Tilt,” and “Practices for the People.” It begins with a grim look at the decline of American civic education, highlighting that only 22% of U.S. students are proficient in civics. This gap contributes to broader societal vulnerabilities, such as susceptibility to propaganda and growing political apathy. Boghosian warns of “truth decay,” where the ability to distinguish fact from fiction erodes, making the case for enhanced media fluency to navigate a landscape filled with manipulative digital content.
What distinguishes Cyber Citizens is its intersectional approach, revealing how misinformation not only undermines democratic institutions but also disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. In her closing section, Boghosian offers practical solutions, advocating for digital hygiene, open-source technology, and gamification of civic engagement, alongside successful global examples of media literacy programs.
While her analysis might feel overwhelming at times, Boghosian ends on an optimistic note, arguing for a return to foundational civic knowledge in a digital context. She underscores that collective action is essential for meaningful change, calling for organized social movements and engaged leadership that reflect community needs.
Ultimately, Boghosian invites readers to evaluate their media consumption and engage with local civic activities, reinforcing that individual actions can accumulate into significant democratic renewal. By promoting a vision of democracy that is inclusive and evolving, she provides both a reflective critique and a roadmap for action in the fight against disinformation and toward a healthier democratic future.
