Digital Minds

We are living in dark dark times with trolls and cat-fishers battling over the playing fields of social media and keyboard warriors hiding behind their screens. We are sharing the horrors of the digitally unknown but what are the consequences and what can we do about it?

It is a known issue we are a cause and effect society, creating new advancements every day without contemplating the consequences. The effects of the constant rise in digital technology can be frightening which is why we must prepare our young people to lead us into the future. Digital technology is erratic and we now see an irony in teaching as our newest generation coaches  boomers and millennials on digital tech. It goes to show whether it is business, education, or something as simple as a family vacation, digital technology has affected aspects of our everyday life.

Tablets, smartphones, and TV are the new modern babysitters – they’re cheap, simple, and reliable. You’d be lying if you didn’t bribe your child, younger sibling, niece or nephew to behave in exchange to play on magical devices. Preschoolers can be exposed to digital technology from the age of two, with screen time increasing when they reach the age of three. By the time our toddlers are teens they have social media platforms and while going through this pubescence time, they can be exposed to unwanted digital communication.

While all these figures are alarming, it’s hard to admit that the internet has enhanced our style of living, with communication, user-friendly apps, and the encouragement of innovation and creativity. We now see improved entertainment, a more luxurious lifestyle, and eSports scholarships.

For those who don’t understand the ‘lingo’ eSports is an electronic sports profession that consists of competitive electronic gaming. As a new  career opportunity,  eSports is just under 40 years old. Because gaming pleads guilty to screen device time could it be an alternative way to understand and teach the advancements of technology?

DNA is a charitable trust that aims to “inspire the next generation of digital leaders”. Based in Rotorua, DNA not only provides digital pathways for like-minded people, but welcomes  as Whånau those that feel out of place in this world. DNA founders and  Rotorua locals Potaua and Nikolasa, have  surrounded themselves with a team that values creativity, digital well-being, and Tikanga.

Sasha Rotherham, was an animation student who has  since fallen in love with the entire animation concept. She is now the general manager and programme coordinator for DNA working within the company to help develop the minds of our blooming rangatahi. 

The studio is based on a Te Ao Māori belief, incorporating kaupapa Māori as well as a mātau mana programme delivery. This explains the warm homely presence you feel as you walk in. But through coding, eSports, and animation – their three core ideals – DNA channels digital pathways that suit each rangatahi and coaches them in the right skills to pursue their chosen avenue.

These next few words are aimed at all our ‘fire-eating’ gamers and online users. We are all guilty of aggressive gaming, trolling and taking hostile actions, especially through the world wide web. Although it seems easier to throw your phone to the ground, post a nasty status, or yell through your headset at home, a healthy digital mindset is a key to success. Karaz Mikaere is DNA Esports coordinator and manages workshops for kids and a separate class for 18+, as part of their well-being programme.

Throughout this workshop, Karaz goes through the fundamentals of gaming, how to control one’s temper, how to identify those who are ill-tempered, and how “teamwork makes the dream work”. Although it seems basic, we need to be reminded of these essential concepts even as adults. Too often we find ourselves scoffing at others over social media, yelling through our headsets, and ignoring these simple things in life.

As a new innovation, DNA is always on the look out for like-minded people. They are partnered with the Spark Foundation to help develop the minds of our young rangatahi. They welcome more members who strive for success. We can all agree that technology is advancing, so let’s learn how to adapt to this change. Rather than allowing devices to babysit for us – how easy it may be – let’s teach our rangatahi values we need to help shape a healthy future.

Digital Natives Academy is about whānau, connecting one another by using Tikanga to develop our digital minds. Let them be an example for how we should approach digital technology.