COMM 3610 COMM, Tech, and Society Discussion "Key" Questions and Terms

Digital Labor

refers to the work or tasks performed in the digital realm, often related to online content creation, data production, or participation in the digital economy. It highlights the economic value of activities conducted in the digital sphere.

Digital Divide

represents the disparity in access to and use of digital technologies, such as the internet. It can result from economic, geographical, social, or cultural factors.

What is the social network revolution and how does it relate to digital media?

signifies the significant societal shift driven by the rise of social networking platforms, transforming how people connect, communicate, and share information. It relates to digital media by revolutionizing communication, enabling user-generated content, transforming information dissemination, expanding the digital public sphere, influencing commerce and culture, and raising ethical and privacy concerns in the digital age.

Social Stratification

the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups within a society based on various factors such as wealth, power, social class, or access to resources.

Mediatization

the process by which media and communication technologies become integrated into all aspects of social life, influencing how we perceive and engage with the world. It highlights the transformative impact of media on society.

Cyber-Optimism

- This perspective is characterized by a positive outlook on the impact of technology on society. - It emphasizes the potential for technology to bring about positive social, political, and economic change. 1. Technological Determinism 2. Internet Centrism 3. Collective Intelligence 4. Peer Production

Technical Means

Disparities in access to hardware and infrastructure, including computers, smartphones, and internet connectivity.

How did Goffman contribute to our understanding of ICT by developing the following, related concepts?

"self-presentation" is highly applicable to the digital age. Online, individuals carefully manage their digital personas, presenting themselves in specific ways on social media and other online platforms. Goffman's insights are invaluable for understanding how people construct and perform their online identities.

How did Weber contribute to our understanding of ICT by developing the following, related concepts?

"social action" focuses on the motivations behind human behavior and how individuals interpret the world around them. In the digital age, this concept helps us understand why people use ICT and how their motivations, whether for socializing, working, or other purposes, shape their online actions and interactions.

How did Tonnies and Marx contribute to our understanding of ICT by developing the following, related concepts?

"Gemeinschaft" (community) and Karl Marx's emphasis on "social cooperation" are relevant to the study of ICT because they highlight the importance of collective efforts and collaboration. ICT often facilitates social cooperation by enabling remote collaboration, crowd-sourced projects, and online communities.

How did Durkheim contribute to our understanding of ICT by developing the following, related concepts?

"social facts" emphasized the external, constraining influences of society on individual behavior. In the context of ICT, understanding how technology and digital platforms influence societal norms, values, and behaviors is crucial. Social media, for example, has created new social facts by shaping how we interact, share information, and form virtual communities.

How did Simmel contribute to our understanding of ICT by developing the following, related concepts?

"social presence" helps us understand the impact of ICT on social relationships. Simmel's concept is relevant when considering how online interactions can create different forms of social presence, both mediated and face-to-face. Social media, in particular, allows for various degrees of social presence in digital interactions.

Smart Mobs

(Cyber-Pessimism) Groups of people who use technology to mobilize and coordinate collective actions, which can be seen both positively and negatively depending on the context.

Communicative Capitalism

(Cyber-Pessimism) The idea that communication technologies can lead to the commodification of social interaction and personal information.

What does Sujon mean when she argues that "the ideology of connection" drives the expansion of socialmedia and "platform capitalism"?

- "Ideology of connection" refers to the belief that digital platforms enhance connections and relationships. - This ideology fuels the growth of social media and "platform capitalism," emphasizing the value of bringing people together and fostering communication.

What does it mean to approach digital society from the perspective of critical political economy?

- Analyzing the digital world through a critical and socio-political lens. - Examining economic structures, power relations, and media ownership. - Scrutinizing labor conditions, cultural influences, and globalization in the digital age. - Evaluating the impact of policies, regulations, and social justice on the digital landscape.

What are the mechanisms that contribute online hate speech?

- Anonymity - Echo chambers - Disinhibition effect - Accessibility - Viral nature - Lack of content moderation - Online hate communities - Political and social factors - Cultural and historical factors - Psychological factors - Digital illiteracy

Two forms of large-scale cyberattacks

- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: Overwhelm a system or network by flooding it with traffic. - Ransomware attacks: Encrypt data or systems, demanding a ransom for decryption.

In what ways can theories about 'digital labor' alter the dominant understanding of the meaning of digital media use?

- Highlighting the economic value of various online activities. - Challenging the notion of "free" digital services. - Emphasizing the role of platform capitalism and exploitation. - Revealing the significance of labor in content creation and data generation. - Shifting the focus from consumption to production in digital media use.

What are unique aspects of YouTube, in terms of its origins, its content, its creators, its positive impacts on society and interaction, and its negative impacts, including; extremism and radicalization, and child sexual exploitation and abuse)

- Origins: Founded in 2005 for user-generated content, later acquired by Google. - Content: Diverse range of videos, including educational, entertainment, and vlogs. - Creators: A platform for millions of content creators with varying niches. - Positive Impacts: Fosters creativity, education, and global interaction. - Negative Impacts: Associated with extremism, radicalization, and child exploitation.

Sujon provides a history of social media's development that has both similarities to and differences from Lindgren's account. What are the technologies and concepts that characterize the following four stages of this evolution? (For easy reference, see the listings in Table 2.2)

- Stage 1 (Prehistory & Ferment - 1980s-1990s): ARPANET, Usenet, BBSs, early digital communication, online forums. - Stage 2 (Early Development - 1990s-2006): World Wide Web, early social software, user-generated content, emergence of social networking sites. - Stage 3 (Growth and Consolidation - 2007-2012): Mobile platforms, expansion of social media, social apps, global integration. - Stage 4 (Maturation and the Critical Turn - 2013-present): Platform extension, platformization, policy and regulation focus, copycat features.

Cyber-Pessimism

- This perspective is more skeptical about the effects of technology on society. - It highlights concerns about negative consequences, such as surveillance, privacy issues, and the concentration of power. 1. Communicative Capitalism 2. Technopoly 3. Technological Solutionism 4. "Being Digital" 5. Smart Mobs 6. Cognitive Surplus

How did scholars of the "Frankfurt School" adapt traditional Marxist theory to critique "the cultureindustries"?

- emphasizing the commodification of culture. - Critiqued the standardization and repetition of cultural products for profit. - Highlighted the impact of mass consumption on the homogenization of culture. - Applied Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony to analyze how culture industries reinforced dominant ideologies. - Emphasized passive reception and the suppression of critical thinking. - Examined the aesthetic standardization and the effects of mass media on public opinion and behavior.

How do the notions of 'network society' and 'networked individualism' overlap and differ?

- highlight the role of digital technologies and networks in modern life. - Overlap: Emphasize the shift to decentralized, networked social structures. - Differences: 'Network Society' focuses on societal changes, while 'Networked Individualism' emphasizes how individuals use digital technologies to create and manage personal networks.

How does Marxist theory help us to understand the political economy of contemporary ICT?

- offers insights into class analysis, labor, and value creation in the digital realm. - It highlights the commodification of data and the concentration of power in tech giants. - Marxist concepts like alienation and exploitation can be applied to digital labor. - It aids in analyzing global economic relations and the influence of political power and ideology in the digital economy.

How can we reconcile these deterministic accounts of power with the concept of "active audiences"? What does it mean to describe digital culture as "ambivalent"?

- they shape digital culture, but active audiences have agency to resist and negotiate power dynamics. - Digital culture is "ambivalent" because it contains both empowering and controlling elements, reflecting the dual nature of power and agency in the digital landscape.

deep mediatization

A concept that suggests the profound influence of media on all aspects of modern society, including politics, culture, and personal identity. Deep mediatization highlights the extensive penetration of media and communication technologies in shaping various dimensions of contemporary life.

media ecology

A field of study that explores the interrelationships between communication technologies, media content, and the social and cultural environments in which they exist. Media ecology examines how media influence and are influenced by the societies and ecosystems in which they are embedded

The Internet

A global network of interconnected computers and devices that allows the sharing of information and resources across vast distances. It serves as a foundation for various online services, communication, and information exchange, making it an integral part of modern life.

Peer Production (Cyber-Optimism)

A model of content creation and sharing where users collaboratively create and distribute content (e.g., open-source software).

Digital Society

A modern society in which digital technologies and the internet play a central role in various aspects of life, including communication, commerce, education, governance, and social interaction.

post-industrial society

A societal phase characterized by a shift from an economy primarily based on manufacturing and industry to one focused on services, information, and technology. In post-industrial societies, knowledge, innovation, and digital technologies play a central role in economic and social development.

Technopoly (Cyber-Pessimism)

A society dominated by technology and where technology influences all aspects of life, sometimes to a problematic extent.

information society

A society where the creation, distribution, and utilization of information and knowledge are central to its economic, social, and cultural activities. Information technologies, digital communication, and access to information play a pivotal role in shaping this society.

"Being Digital" (Cyber-Pessimism)

A term associated with Nicholas Negroponte's view that a fully digital society is inevitable and desirable, which is a perspective that can be seen as overly optimistic.

"Social" Created by Social Media Platforms

Occurs in the digital realm, enabling online interactions, connections, and relationships through social media platforms, regardless of physical proximity.

Digitial Media

Content in electronic form, including text, images, audio, and video, that can be created, distributed, and accessed using digital technology, such as computers and the internet. Digital media encompasses a wide range of formats and platforms, including websites, social media, streaming services, and multimedia applications.

Social Support

Differences in the availability of assistance or guidance from social networks and communities in utilizing digital technologies.

(Online) Communities

Groups of individuals who connect and interact with one another over the internet, typically sharing common interests, hobbies, or goals. Online communities can take various forms, including forums, social media groups, and niche networks, allowing people to engage, discuss, and collaborate in a virtual space.

Vernacular

In the context of culture and communication, vernacular refers to the everyday, commonly spoken language or cultural practices of a particular group or community. It often stands in contrast to formal or standardized language or culture.

(social) networks

Interconnected individuals or entities linked through various forms of relationships or interactions. In the context of social networks, this often refers to online platforms that enable users to connect, share information, and engage with others, forming digital communities and relationships.

Trolling

Involves deliberate intent to provoke or disrupt with a variety of motivations, often employing humor or satire, and may use deception.

Traditional Understanding of "the Social":

Involves physical, face-to-face interactions in real-life settings, such as homes, workplaces, and public gatherings.

Skill (Internet Competence)

Involves variations in digital literacy and the ability to navigate and use online resources effectively.

How is the metaphor of spectrum more useful than divide for explaining ICT-related inequalities?

It acknowledges that access and usage exist on a continuum rather than a simple divide, considering various factors that contribute to disparities.

How does 'the digital' impact on what it means to live in, and to do research on, ourpresent-day social world?

It impacts contemporary life and research. In daily life, it changes how we communicate, work, shop, and learn. For researchers, it opens up vast new data sources and tools, enabling novel methods and scales of analysis. However, it also raises ethical and privacy concerns. Researchers must adapt to navigate this digital landscape while ensuring the ethical use of digital data in understanding and interpreting our evolving social world.

Cultural (or Symbolic) Power

It influences how culture is produced, consumed, and shared. Digital media, including social media, shape cultural narratives, norms, and values. Symbolic power can be exerted through online discourse and representation, affecting perceptions and identities.

How did the ICT we currently recognize as "social media" emerge from the transitionbetween "web 1.0" and "web 2.0"?

It marked a shift from static web content to interactive platforms. Social media emerged as a result of this transition. Web 1.0 featured static websites and limited user interaction, while web 2.0 introduced dynamic, user-generated content and social interaction. This shift enabled the creation of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where users could connect, share, and interact online. These platforms leveraged user-generated content and network effects, fundamentally changing the way people communicate, collaborate, and share in the digital era.

Playbour

It refers to the concept that some digital activities, such as gaming and online participation, can be both playful and laborious. People may engage in these activities for fun but also produce value for others or digital platforms. "play" and "labor."

What are networked publics? How does this concept help us to understand the relationship between technological and social change?

Networked publics are digitally connected spaces on the internet where individuals engage in public discourse, share information, and form connections. This concept helps us understand the relationship between technological and social change by demonstrating how these online spaces facilitate social change, amplify marginalized voices, and enable rapid information dissemination. They showcase the profound impact of technology on shaping and accelerating social change in our modern world.

Agency

Refers to an individual's capacity to make choices and act independently.

Flaming

Refers to direct and hostile online behavior, driven by strong emotional reactions without deception, often involving personal attacks or insults in response to perceived provocation.

Autonomy of Use

Refers to the level of independence and control individuals have over their use of digital technologies.

Different Uses

Refers to variations in the purposes for which individuals use digital technologies, including education, employment, entertainment, and social interaction.

Structure

Represents the influence of larger social systems, institutions, and cultural norms on individual behavior.

Economic Power

Tech companies in the digital realm wield immense economic influence, controlling markets and capital. The digital economy generates wealth and income disparities, and economic power can be concentrated in a few corporations, leading to economic inequalities.

What is the relationship between technology and social change?

Technology can drive social change by introducing new ways of doing things, affecting the economy, and shaping cultural norms. At the same time, social changes can lead to the development of new technologies, influenced by social needs, laws, and user behavior. This relationship is a feedback loop, and managing it is vital for a fair and equitable society.

Coercive Power

The ability to monitor and control digital communication can be a form of coercion in certain contexts.

Technological Solutionism (Cyber-Pessimism)

The belief that technology can solve all societal problems, often leading to oversimplified solutions.

Technological Determinism (Cyber-Optimism)

The belief that technology determines social and cultural changes.

Collective Intelligence (Cyber-Optimism)

The concept that collective, collaborative efforts can lead to greater problem-solving and innovation.

Cognitive Surplus (Cyber-Pessimism)

The idea that individuals have the capacity to use their free time and creativity for socially beneficial activities, which can be viewed with optimism but also skepticism depending on the outcomes.

Internet Centrism (Cyber-Optimism)

The idea that the internet is at the core of positive social change.

In what social and historical context was the internet created, and how has it evolved?

The internet was born during the Cold War era when the United States, specifically the Department of Defense, sought to create a robust and decentralized communication system. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) initiated ARPANET in the late 1960s, which laid the foundation for the internet. Over time, it evolved from a military and scientific network into a global platform. The World Wide Web, introduced in the 1990s, made it accessible to the public, transforming society. Today, it connects people, businesses, and devices worldwide, shaping communication, commerce, and culture in ways unimaginable during its inception.

Social Change

The process of significant alterations in societal structures, behaviors, norms, and values over time. It can be driven by various factors, including technological advancements, cultural shifts, economic developments, and shifts in political and social systems.

How, potentially, are the affordances of ICT "social"?

They enhance communication, enable information sharing, facilitate the formation of online communities, support collaboration, promote civic participation, amplify individual and collective influence, foster social networking and social capital development, and influence social commerce. ICT has fundamentally transformed how society connects, interacts, and functions in the digital age.

Second-Level Digital Divide

This extends beyond access to consider disparities in digital skills, literacy, and the effective use of technology.

First-Level Digital Divide

This refers to the gap in access to digital technologies, such as computers and the internet, between those who have access and those who do not.

What is digital society?

a modern world where the internet and digital technology are a big part of daily life. People use the internet for communication, shopping, learning, and more. Governments and businesses also rely on digital tools. It's a society where data and information are important, but it also comes with concerns about privacy and security. The goal is to make sure everyone can access and benefit from digital technology.

Intersectionality

a concept that recognizes how different aspects of social identity, such as gender, race, class, and sexuality, intersect and overlap, leading to unique and complex experiences of discrimination and privilege.

Political economy

a field of study that explores the relationship between politics and economics. It examines how political institutions, policies, and power structures influence economic systems and outcomes.

Phishing

a type of cyber attack in which attackers use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords and financial details.

The Gig Economy

an economic model characterized by temporary, flexible, and short-term employment arrangements. Workers, often referred to as "gig workers," perform tasks or "gigs" on a project-by-project basis, typically through digital platforms or apps. It often involves freelancers, independent contractors, or part-time workers.

What are the key differences between communities and networks?

communities are more structured, purpose-driven, and focused on deeper interactions, identity, and belonging. Networks are broader, often more loosely structured, and are centered on connections and information exchange. Both play valuable roles in different contexts, depending on the goals and needs of individuals or groups.

Digital citizenship

refers to the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies, encompassing the use of the internet, social media, and other digital platforms while demonstrating respect for others, online safety, and awareness of one's digital footprint.

Structuration

emphasizes that social structures and individual actions are interdependent and shape each other. It posits that people both reproduce and transform social structures through their actions.

Political Power

it can shape political processes, public opinion, and governance. It enables the collection of data for surveillance and influence, and platforms can have political biases or agendas. Digital platforms can also influence political activism and the dissemination of information, impacting political power dynamics.

"Lulz"

internet slang term that represents laughter or amusement. It is often used to express the enjoyment or entertainment derived from engaging in trolling behavior. Trolls may create controversial or offensive content with the aim of achieving "lulz" by amusing themselves or others who find their actions humorous.

Cyberwarfare

involves state-sponsored or politically motivated cyber attacks on the infrastructure, security, or systems of other nations, often as a component of broader conflicts.

Cyberstalking

involves the persistent and unwanted online pursuit or harassment of an individual, causing fear or distress.

Cyberterrorism

refers to the use of digital tools and attacks to achieve political, ideological, or social goals through intimidation, disruption, or harm.

What does it mean, from a social perspective, that things are digital?

it means they exist in a format that can be easily processed and shared by computers and over the internet. This has far-reaching effects on how people communicate, work, learn, and entertain themselves. It can lead to changes in how we connect, the way businesses operate, how information is accessed, and the need for digital skills. It also raises concerns about privacy, security, and ensuring equitable access to these digital resources.

What is the relationship between digital media and society?

networks, online news, and entertainment, is how people communicate, get information, and express themselves in the modern world. It influences public opinion, can shape culture, and has transformed traditional industries like journalism and entertainment. Society, in turn, shapes digital media through its behaviors, demands, and regulations. This dynamic interaction between digital media and society is central to our contemporary way of life.

What is the argument for a "middle-ground" between cyber-optimism and -pessimism?

perspective between cyber-optimism and cyber-pessimism argues for a balanced assessment of technology's impact. It emphasizes the need to avoid extreme positions and recognizes that technology's effects are context-dependent. This approach promotes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and adaptive responses to technology's evolving nature. It seeks inclusive solutions that maximize benefits while addressing risks, striking a balance between positive change and potential challenges.

Ideology

refers to a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape and influence a particular worldview, often linked to political, social, or cultural perspectives. Ideologies can serve to legitimize and maintain existing power structures.

"The social"

refers to human interactions and societal norms.

The Audience Commodity

refers to the idea that audiences, particularly in the digital age, are not just passive consumers but are themselves valuable assets. Their data, attention, and engagement can be bought, sold, and monetized by media and technology companies.

Algorithmic Power

refers to the influence that algorithms, often used in digital platforms, have in shaping users' experiences, content recommendations, and access to information. Algorithms can impact what is seen and consumed on the internet.

Globalization

refers to the interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale. It involves the flow of goods, information, ideas, and people across national borders.

Discourse

refers to the language, communication, and representation of ideas within a particular context or field. It encompasses not only what is said but also how it is said and the power dynamics embedded in communication.

Cyberbullying

the use of digital communication tools to harass, threaten, or harm individuals, often in a repeated and deliberate manner.

Hacking

unauthorized or malicious access, manipulation, or disruption of computer systems, networks, or data.

What are the unique features that distinguish social media?

user-generated content, social networking, real-time communication, profile and identity management, interactive engagement through likes and comments, and the ability to reach a global audience.