Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits

The Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits campaign uses a two-pronged approach that ties together building awareness on digital rights and developing practical skills in improving Internet security for digital Filipinos.

The campaign aims to upgrade Filipinos’ awareness of familiar digital concepts and practices to a heightened consciousness of their rights and security online.

Internews and USAID, through the Greater Internet Freedom (GIF) program

2022

Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits is Out of The Box’s campaign on digital rights and Internet security. Our two-pronged approach ties together building awareness on digital rights and developing practical skills in improving Internet security for digital Filipinos. Ctrl and ⇧ Shift are keyboard keys found on most computers and are used to perform different tasks. While most digital users are familiar with keyboard shortcuts and other computer basics, this does not automatically mean that they are digitally literate.

The Ctrl^Shift campaign aims to upgrade Filipinos’ awareness of familiar digital concepts and practices to a heightened consciousness of their rights and security online. Such awareness will propel them to greater participation in public discussions on internet governance and digital rights. These are vital components of critical media literacy in the 21st century as reflected in OOTB’s Interrogate-Create-Participate framework.

This campaign is supported by Internews and USAID through the Greater Internet Freedom (GIF) program, a global initiative that aims to “enhance digital security for civil society and media organizations, engage citizens in internet governance debates, and advance human rights online.” Learn more about GIF at https://engagemedia.org/projects/greater-internet-freedom/

Take Ctrl: Defend your digital rights

When we are alone with our devices—taking photos, liking and sharing posts, scrolling endlessly through our feeds—we may feel absolute control right at our fingertips. The internet and new media technologies are indeed empowering. They have enabled us to do so many things (seemingly) on our own terms.

Sure you probably don’t mind the little inconveniences like getting disconnected in the middle of a virtual call due to poor internet. But have you ever dealt with more complicated scenarios like getting your account shut down for no clear reason, or having your personal information publicly exposed? These are only a few common situations where one might feel at a loss for control over their digital lives. Learning to live with digital media means knowing how to defend our rights online and take Ctrl.

Shift Habits: Strengthen your Internet security

We enjoy so many things through the Internet, it has become a major source of entertainment and information, it’s our space to chat, to play and, now, even to shop! But how mindful are you of your media habits? Are you aware of the many ways that may compromise your security online?

Shifting habits is about taking practical steps to improve your overall Internet security. This may involve a few inconveniences like having to change your password regularly and double-checking your privacy settings when you post online. No change is easy, especially if what you’re trying to shift are your own habits. But, remember, doing something for the better is always worth the hassle.

Digital Rights and Internet Security Training

Partner: Nagkakaisang Ina ng Payatas

January 28, 2023 at Payatas B Livelihood Center, Payatas, Quezon City, NCR

Partner: UPB on MIC

February 13, 2023 at Teatro Amianan, University of the Philippines Baguio, Baguio City, Benguet

Essay Writing Contest

Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits Essay Contest Winners

With the slogan “Together for a better internet”, the Safer Internet Day (SID) this 2023 – its 20th edition – is celebrated around the world on February 7. To provide a space for young Filipinos to make their voices heard on matters relating to their security, wellbeing, and human rights in the digital world, Out of The Box Media Literacy (OOTB) organized an essay writing contest for high school students under their “Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits” program.

Over 80 students from 40 high schools nationwide answered the question, “How should Internet platforms deal with harmful online content in a way that ensures the proper balance with the right to freedom of expression and other human rights?”

As the Internet becomes more and more accessible, concern for children’s exposure to age-inappropriate and risky content online has further intensified. While there are already steps being taken by governments, international bodies, and digital platforms themselves to regulate media content and practices, increased transparency, inclusivity, and respect for human rights must be thoroughly monitored and championed by the public.

The winning essays of the Take Ctrl ⇧ Shift Habits contest showcase Filipino youth’s perspectives on combating disinformation, the complexities of the right to free speech, and social media platforms’ regulatory mechanisms. Each essay is complemented with artworks by Cartoonist ZACH and Isang Tasang Kape.

The First Place winner is Grade 11 student Mary Treb Hibaya of Saint Mary’s Academy – Pasay City. Joshua Tristeza (Grade 12) of Mandurriao National High School in Iloilo City took the second spot while Anika Mei Cunanan (Grade 11) of the University of Santo Tomas won third place.

The essay submissions were judged by digital rights and media literacy experts from the program’s partner organizations, Foundation for Media Alternatives, Yabong Philippines, and EngageMedia.