📲Media Literacy Unit 10 – Digital Media and the Internet

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Digital media encompasses any media that is encoded in a machine-readable format and can be created, viewed, distributed, modified, and preserved on digital electronic devices
• The internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices
• Bandwidth measures the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time (Mbps or Gbps)
• Latency refers to the delay or time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination across a network
• Cloud computing involves delivering computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet ("the cloud")
  • Allows users to access and use these resources on-demand without direct active management
• Web 2.0 describes websites that emphasize user-generated content, usability, and interoperability
  • Marked a shift from static HTML pages to more dynamic and interactive web experiences
• User-generated content (UGC) is any form of content created by users of a system or service and made available publicly (text posts, photos, videos, reviews)

Evolution of Digital Media

• Early digital media in the 1960s and 1970s included basic computer graphics and early video games (Spacewar!)
• The 1980s saw the rise of personal computers and digital audio with the introduction of the CD (compact disc)
• In the 1990s, the World Wide Web and HTML allowed for the creation of websites and online content sharing
  • Digital photography and MP3 audio files also gained popularity during this decade
• Broadband internet in the early 2000s enabled faster download speeds and streaming media
  • YouTube launched in 2005, allowing users to easily upload and share video content
• Smartphones and mobile apps in the late 2000s and 2010s made digital media more accessible and personalized
  • Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) became increasingly popular for communication and content sharing
• The 2020s have seen the growth of streaming services (Netflix, Spotify), immersive technologies (VR, AR), and AI-generated content

Internet Infrastructure and Functionality

• The internet relies on a complex infrastructure of hardware and software components to function
• Physical infrastructure includes the cables, routers, and data centers that transmit and store data
  • Fiber optic cables use light to transmit data at high speeds over long distances
  • Routers direct data packets between networks to ensure they reach their intended destination
• The Internet Protocol (IP) is the primary protocol used for communicating data across network boundaries
  • IP addresses uniquely identify devices on the internet and allow for data routing
• The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names (www.example.com) into IP addresses
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the foundation of data exchange on the World Wide Web
  • Defines how messages are formatted and transmitted between web browsers and servers
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) establishes and maintains a network conversation between applications
  • Ensures data packets are delivered reliably and in the correct order
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer access to the internet infrastructure for businesses and individuals

Digital Content Creation and Distribution

• Digital content includes any form of media that is created, published, and distributed in a digital format
• Text-based content such as articles, blog posts, and ebooks can be easily created and shared online
  • Content Management Systems (WordPress, Drupal) simplify the process of publishing and managing web content
• Images and graphics are created using digital cameras, scanners, or software tools (Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
  • Can be shared on websites, social media, or through online galleries and stock photo platforms
• Video content is captured with digital cameras or created using animation software
  • Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo allow for easy video hosting and sharing
• Audio content includes music, podcasts, and audiobooks, which can be streamed or downloaded
  • Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live and FL Studio are used for music production
• Interactive content such as web-based games, apps, and virtual reality experiences engage users
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) distribute digital content to users based on geographic location
  • Improves load times and reduces bandwidth costs by caching content on servers closer to end-users

Social Media Platforms and Their Impact

• Social media platforms are online communities where users create, share, and interact with content
• Facebook is the largest social network, allowing users to connect with friends, join groups, and share updates
  • Also owns Instagram (photo/video sharing) and WhatsApp (messaging)
• Twitter is a microblogging platform known for real-time news, trending topics, and public conversations
• LinkedIn is a professional networking site used for job searching, recruiting, and industry discussions
• TikTok is a short-form video platform popular among younger audiences for its viral trends and challenges
• Social media has transformed the way individuals and businesses communicate and share information
  • Enables rapid dissemination of news, ideas, and opinions to a global audience
  • Allows for targeted advertising based on user demographics, interests, and behaviors
• However, social media also raises concerns about privacy, data security, and the spread of misinformation
  • Algorithms can create "echo chambers" where users are exposed to content that reinforces their existing beliefs
• Social media activism has been used to raise awareness and mobilize support for various causes (#MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter)

Online Privacy and Security

• Online privacy refers to the protection of personal information and the right to control how it is collected and used
• Websites and apps often collect user data through cookies, tracking pixels, and user account information
  • This data can be used for targeted advertising, personalization, or sold to third parties
• Data breaches can expose sensitive information (passwords, financial data) to unauthorized parties
  • Can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or reputational damage
• Cybersecurity measures are used to protect networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or attacks
  • Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules
  • Encryption scrambles data so that it can only be read by someone with the decryption key
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create a secure, encrypted connection between a device and a network
  • Hides the user's IP address and location, making online activities more private
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (code sent to phone) in addition to a password
• Privacy laws and regulations (GDPR, CCPA) aim to give individuals more control over their personal data
  • Require companies to obtain consent before collecting data and allow users to request deletion of their information

Digital Media Business Models

• Digital media companies generate revenue through various business models
• Advertising is the most common model, where companies pay to display ads alongside content
  • Can be in the form of display ads, sponsored content, or video ads
  • Programmatic advertising uses algorithms to automatically buy and place ads based on target audience
• Subscription-based models charge users a recurring fee for access to content or services
  • Examples include streaming platforms (Netflix), online publications (The New York Times), and software-as-a-service (Adobe Creative Cloud)
• Freemium models offer a basic version of a product or service for free, with premium features available for a fee
  • Often used by mobile apps and games (Spotify, Candy Crush)
• Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies' products and earning a commission on resulting sales
  • Common among bloggers, influencers, and review websites
• E-commerce models sell products or services directly to consumers through online platforms
  • Can include physical goods (Amazon), digital products (Etsy printables), or services (Fiverr)
• Crowdfunding platforms (Kickstarter, Patreon) allow creators to raise funds from a large number of supporters
  • Often used to finance independent projects, startups, or ongoing content creation
• Data monetization involves collecting and selling user data to third parties for market research or targeted advertising purposes

Future Trends in Digital Media and Internet Technology

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are being used to personalize content, improve recommendations, and automate tasks
  • Generative AI models can create text, images, and videos based on patterns learned from existing data
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are creating more immersive and interactive digital experiences
  • VR headsets (Oculus) transport users to fully virtual environments
  • AR overlays digital information onto the real world through smartphones or smart glasses
• Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday devices (appliances, vehicles) to the internet for remote monitoring and control
  • Enables automation, data collection, and smart home/city applications
• 5G networks offer faster speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity for mobile devices
  • Will support the growth of IoT, VR/AR, and other data-intensive applications
• Blockchain technology enables secure, decentralized transactions and record-keeping
  • Powers cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin) and has potential applications in digital identity, supply chain management, and copyright protection
• Personalization and targeted content will become increasingly sophisticated, driven by AI and data analytics
  • Raises concerns about filter bubbles and the reinforcement of existing biases
• Interactive and user-generated content will continue to grow in popularity
  • Platforms like Twitch and TikTok emphasize real-time interaction and participation
• Privacy and data protection will remain major challenges as the volume of personal data collected increases
  • Balancing personalization with user privacy will be a key issue for digital media companies to address