세대별 대학생의 디지털 시민성 인식과 실천 양상 비교 분석: Z세대와 중장년 성인학습자를 중심으로

초록

Purpose: This study aims to examine how digital citizenship is constructed differently in terms of perceptions and practices between Generation Z college students and middle-aged adult learners, and to explore the socio-cultural contexts that shape these differences in the AI era. Design/methodology/data/approach: A qualitative case study was conducted through in-depth interviews with 16 college students in the Seoul metropolitan area to identify generational differences in digital citizenship. Findings/Results: First, in terms of digital environment awareness, Generation Z students prioritized “efficiency” to enhance performance, whereas middle-aged adult learners emphasized “stability” for survival and safety. Second, in terms of self-construction, Generation Z students tended to develop an “idealized self” oriented toward social recognition, while middle-aged adult learners constructed a “functional self” centered on fulfilling professional responsibilities. Third, in terms of practice, Generation Z students actively engaged as “platform managers” who maintained norms within online communities, whereas middle-aged adult learners functioned as “relational breakwaters” that sustained and reinforced offline social ties. Value: These findings suggest that digital citizenship extends beyond technical competence and is shaped by generational life experiences and socio-cultural contexts. This study offers practical implications for designing intergenerationally integrated digital citizenship education in higher education and for developing inclusive digital policies.

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