Unit 1: Face-to-face learning unit – Digital world
The digital world refers to the interconnected system of digital technologies, platforms, and devices that have transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. From smartphones and social media to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the digital world has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life. It has opened up new opportunities for learning, entertainment, and business, while also presenting new challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and online privacy concerns. The digital world is constantly evolving, with new technologies and platforms emerging at a rapid pace. To thrive in the digital world, it is essential to have a digital mindset and be digital savvy, with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and adaptability.
Digital world is not an external part of our world. It refers to the totality of circumstances that characterize the living conditions in the digital age, which will be significantly shaped by a multitude of digital technologies (Lengsfeld, 2019).
Digital society refers to the social, cultural, and economic changes that have arisen as a result of the widespread adoption of digital technologies and platforms. The digital society has transformed the way we interact, communicate, and conduct business, connecting people from all over the world and enabling new forms of collaboration and innovation. It has also given rise to new forms of social and economic inequality, such as the digital divide between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. The digital society has created new challenges for privacy, security, and digital ethics, which require new strategies and policies to address. To build a thriving digital society, it is essential to address these challenges and create a framework that supports innovation, digital literacy, and responsible use of technology.
In the video below you can find a short explanation of what a digital society is:
Click here to watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UZC-9QZ9jo&t=109s
Digital economy
To understand what the digital economy is, we should understand what the economy is. Economy is an established system that satisfies the needs in society by the production and distribution of services and goods.
The digital economy refers to the economic activity that is based on digital technologies, platforms, and services. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from e-commerce and online advertising to software development and digital content creation. The digital economy has revolutionized traditional industries, creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. It has also given rise to new business models, such as the sharing economy and the gig economy, which have transformed the way we work and earn a living. The digital economy is a key driver of economic growth and job creation, particularly in developing countries where it has the potential to transform traditional industries and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. However, it also presents new challenges, such as the need for digital skills and infrastructure, and the need to address issues related to privacy, security, and digital ethics. To harness the potential of the digital economy, it is essential to develop a comprehensive digital strategy that supports innovation, investment in digital infrastructure, and the development of digital skills and capabilities.
In simpler terms: “The digital economy is the worldwide network of economic activities, commercial transactions and professional interactions that are enabled by information and communications technologies”. (Pratt, 2017).
Nowadays, more and more activities have been transformed online. For instance, the way people buy books has changed significantly. Traditionally buying a book means one would go to a bookstore and buy it with currency notes to the cashier while in the digital economy the procedure takes place in a different way. One can visit an online bookstore, check the list with the available e-books, pay with a credit card and download the e-book. Furthermore, there are already chat apps available in which you can first take the advice from the book store and then within the same app buy the recommended book as a e-book.
The number of people buying e-books and digital products and services is growing. As portrayed in the following graph, every year amount of people buying online increases for 1-2%.
Source: Statista
Digital media
Digital media refers to the various forms of media that are created, distributed, and consumed using digital technologies and platforms. This includes everything from social media platforms and streaming services to digital publications and e-books. Digital media has transformed the way we access and consume content, offering a wealth of opportunities for learning, entertainment, and communication. It has also given rise to new forms of content creation and distribution, from user-generated content on social media to independent digital publishing. However, the rise of digital media has also raised new concerns around issues such as online privacy, fake news, and cyberbullying. To navigate the digital media landscape effectively, it is essential to have a digital mindset and be digital savvy, with the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate information critically, protect your privacy and well-being, and engage with digital media in a responsible and ethical way.
Digital Media comprise:
- eCommerce
- Games – console, online and mobile
- Websites and mobile applications
- Animation
- Social media
- Video
- Augmented reality
- Virtual reality
- Data visualization
- Location-based services
- Interactive Storytelling
Digital media can include these industries:
- Entertainment
- Technology
- eCommerce
- Non-Profit
- Health
- Education
- Marketing and advertising
- Government
- Sports
- Environment
- Television
- Publishing
Social media
Social media refers to a broad range of digital platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and other users. Social media has transformed the way we communicate and connect with others, enabling us to stay in touch with friends and family, share experiences and opinions, and access news and information in real-time. It has also created new opportunities for businesses to connect with customers and build brand awareness. However, social media has also raised concerns around issues such as online privacy, fake news, cyberbullying, and addiction. To use social media effectively and responsibly, it is essential to be digitally savvy and have a digital mindset that prioritizes critical thinking, privacy protection, and responsible use of technology. By developing these skills, we can harness the benefits of social media while avoiding its potential pitfalls.
Social media seems an inevitable part of our everyday lives. People of all ages use them to connect with others. A simplified definition can be the following: “Social media is any digital tool that allows users to quickly create and share content with the public” (Lake, 2022).
Social media can be categorized into different types based on their functionality and purpose. Here are some common categories of social media:
- Social networking sites: these platforms allow users to create personal profiles, connect with friends and family, share updates, photos, and videos, and exchange thoughts and ideas. Examples include Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Microblogging sites: these platforms allow users to post short updates or messages to a public feed, typically with a character limit, to share raw ideas and distribute videos and photographs. Examples include Twitter, Tumblr, and Weibo.
- Media sharing sites: these platforms allow users to share photos, videos, and other media with a broader audience. Examples include Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
- Discussion forums and messaging apps: these platforms enable users to engage in discussions with other users, typically around specific topics of interest. Examples include Reddit, Quora, and WhatsApp.
- Review and recommendation sites: these platforms allow users to share their opinions and recommendations on products, services, and other topics. Examples include Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Amazon reviews.
These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many social media platforms have features that overlap multiple categories.
Advantages of digital world
The digital world offers many advantages over traditional methods of communication, information sharing, and commerce. One of the most significant advantages of the digital world is its ability to connect people from all over the globe, making it easier than ever to communicate and collaborate with others regardless of location. The digital world also provides access to a wealth of information and resources at our fingertips, including educational materials, news, and entertainment. Additionally, digital technologies have enabled new forms of commerce and entrepreneurship, such as e-commerce and the gig economy, providing more opportunities for people to work and do business on their terms. The digital world has also transformed many industries, from healthcare to finance, by enabling new forms of innovation and efficiency. Overall, the advantages of the digital world are vast, offering us new opportunities, connections, and possibilities that were previously unthinkable.
Adapting and living in a digital world can have great advantages for everyone. Since more than half of the world’s population use the internet and a quarter of them are also active users of social media, below we will focus on the advantages of digital and social media.
Advantages of using digital media
Nowadays digital media are used widely in almost every sector of our life. There are many advantages that can positively influence different spheres of our lives.
- Digital media facilitates social interaction and empowers people.
Through digital media, people can talk, share ideas, and connect from all over the world. Despite the physical distance, people can keep contact with each other. Additionally, an interaction of people with different cultural backgrounds (beliefs, religion, political ideology etc.) can take place and thus a mutual understanding can flourish.
- Digital Media can significantly change how the work gets done.
Nowadays, most of the content and data used by organizations can be in a digitalized form. Alone this fact changes the nature of employment radically. First and foremost, supports remote working and creates opportunities for new jobs.
- Digital media can make a change in education.
The benefits of digital media to bridge the distance gap is not shown only in remote working. Education is also a sector that benefits a lot. With the help of media in digital form, education can take place remotely through a computer or any other electronic device. For instance, one who lives in Tokyo in Japan, can attend a course on Michigan University in USA through distance learning.
Using digital media offers numerous advantages in terms of convenience, accessibility, and flexibility:
- Convenience: with digital media, we can access information, entertainment, and communication tools from anywhere and at any time. For example, we can use our smartphones to read news articles, watch videos, and connect with friends and family on social media while on the go.
- Customization: digital media allows us to personalize our experiences and tailor content to our interests and preferences. For instance, we can use streaming services like Netflix and Spotify to curate our own playlists of movies, TV shows, and music that match our tastes.
- Content creation and distribution: digital media has democratized the media landscape, enabling individuals and organizations to create and distribute content with a global audience. For example, bloggers, vloggers, and podcasters can create and share their content on platforms like YouTube, WordPress, and SoundCloud without needing a traditional media outlet.
- Social and civic engagement: digital media has created new opportunities for social and civic engagement, allowing people to connect, organize, and advocate for causes they care about. For example, social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have been used to mobilize social movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. Online petitions and crowdfunding campaigns have also enabled people to make their voices heard and support causes they believe in.
These are just a few examples of how digital media has transformed our lives and created new opportunities for communication, creativity, and social engagement.
Advantages of using social media
Using social media offers several advantages in terms of communication, networking, and information sharing. One of the primary benefits of social media is that it allows us to connect and communicate with people from all over the world, regardless of geographical barriers. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have enabled us to build and maintain relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and other professionals.
Here are some concrete examples of the advantages of using social media:
- Communication: social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow us to communicate and connect with people from all over the world. We can use these platforms to keep in touch with family and friends, share updates about our lives, and engage in conversations with people who share our interests.
- Networking: social media has also become an important tool for networking and professional development. Platforms like LinkedIn allow us to connect with colleagues and professionals in our field, share our work and accomplishments, and discover new opportunities.
- Information sharing: social media provides a platform for sharing and discovering information in real-time. We can use social media to stay informed about news, trends, and events, as well as to share our own thoughts and ideas with a global audience.
- Marketing and advertising: social media have also become a powerful tool for marketing and advertising, allowing businesses to reach and engage with new audiences. Companies can use social media platforms to promote their products and services, engage with customers, and build brand loyalty.
- Activism: social media has also enabled social and political activism, allowing individuals and communities to raise awareness, mobilize support, and drive change on issues they care about. For example, social media was used to mobilize support for the Women’s March and the Black Lives Matter movement.