COMS 203 Final

Question 1

New Media

Answer 1

Refers to digital forms of communication and entertainment that have emerged with the advancement of technology, including the internet, social media, digital art, and interactive multimedia.

Question 2

Commodification

Answer 2

The process by which goods, services, or ideas are turned into commodities for sale or exchange. In the context of New Media, this can refer to the transformation of digital content, such as user data or creative works, into marketable products or assets.

Question 3

Socio-technical

Answer 3

Describes the interplay between social structures and technological systems. It acknowledges that technology is shaped by societal values, practices, and institutions, and in turn, influences social behaviors and norms.

Question 4

Audience commodity

Answer 4

Views audiences as valuable commodities for advertisers or content producers in the New Media landscape. This perspective emphasizes the economic significance of audience attention and engagement in generating revenue or influence.

Question 5

Social shaping of technology

Answer 5

Suggests that technology is not developed in isolation but is influenced by social factors such as cultural norms, political interests, and economic conditions. It emphasizes the bidirectional relationship between society and technology, where societal values shape technological development and technology, in turn, influences society.

Question 6

Monopoly/Consolidation

Answer 6

Refers to the concentration of power and control over New Media industries in the hands of a few dominant companies. This can lead to reduced competition, limited diversity of content, and potential monopolistic practices that affect both producers and consumers.

Question 7

Political economy

Answer 7

Analyzes the interplay between politics, economics, and media systems. In the context of New Media, it examines how political and economic forces shape the production, distribution, and consumption of digital media content.

Question 8

Infrastructure

Answer 8

Refers to the underlying framework or physical components that support the operation of New Media systems, such as internet networks, servers, and communication technologies. It encompasses both the hardware and software necessary for digital communication and interaction.

Question 9

Cultural Studies

Answer 9

An interdisciplinary field that explores the production, consumption, and meaning of cultural artifacts, including media texts. In New Media studies, cultural studies approaches are used to analyze how digital technologies shape and are shaped by cultural practices, identities, and representations.

Question 10

Affordances (high-level/low-level)

Answer 10

High-level affordances refer to the perceived possibilities for action offered by a technology, such as the ability to communicate instantly through social media platforms. Low-level affordances pertain to the technical features or properties of a technology that enable these actions, such as buttons or interfaces.

Question 11

Hype/Counter-hype

Answer 11

Hype refers to exaggerated or sensational promotion of new technologies or trends in New Media, often driven by marketing or media coverage. Counter-hype critiques or challenges the inflated claims and expectations associated with these technologies, highlighting potential drawbacks or limitations.

Question 12

Self-presentation

Answer 12

Refers to the ways in which individuals or groups present themselves to others through New Media platforms, such as social media profiles or personal websites. It encompasses the construction and management of online identities, including the selection of content, imagery, and language to convey desired impressions.

Question 13

Technological determinism

Answer 13

The theory that technology drives social change and development, often independently of other factors such as culture or politics. In the context of New Media, technological determinism examines how advancements in digital technology shape behaviors, institutions, and societal structures.

Question 14

Disintermediation

Answer 14

Refers to the removal of intermediaries or middlemen between producers and consumers in a market. In the context of New Media, it often relates to the direct interaction between content creators and audiences facilitated by digital platforms, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.

Question 15

Reintermediation

Answer 15

Occurs when new intermediaries or middlemen emerge in the digital landscape, albeit different from traditional ones, to facilitate transactions or interactions between producers and consumers.

Question 16

Regulation

Answer 16

Refers to the rules, laws, and policies established by governments or regulatory bodies to govern the behavior and practices within the New Media ecosystem. This can include regulations regarding content, privacy, competition, and access to information.

Question 17

Echo chamber

Answer 17

Describes an environment, often facilitated by social media algorithms, where individuals are exposed only to information or opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs or perspectives. This can lead to polarization and the reinforcement of biases within online communities.

Question 18

Network neutrality

Answer 18

Also known as net neutrality, it is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all data on the internet equally, without discrimination or preference for specific websites, services, or applications. It advocates for an open and non-discriminatory internet ecosystem.

Question 19

Misinformation

Answer 19

False or misleading information shared without harmful intent.

Question 20

Disinformation

Answer 20

False or misleading information deliberately spread to deceive or manipulate audiences.

Question 21

Malinformation

Answer 21

True information shared with the intent to cause harm, such as sharing private or sensitive information without consent.

Question 22

Copyright

Answer 22

Legal protection granted to creators of original works, giving them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and profit from their creations for a specified period. In New Media, copyright laws regulate the use and distribution of digital content.

Question 23

Free culture

Answer 23

A movement advocating for the freedom to share and modify creative works, often facilitated by open-source licenses and alternative distribution models. It challenges traditional copyright restrictions and promotes greater access to cultural resources.

Question 24

Networked publics

Answer 24

Refers to the online spaces or communities formed through digital networks, where individuals gather to communicate, share information, and participate in public discourse. These networked publics often transcend geographical boundaries and enable diverse forms of social interaction.

Question 25

Content moderation

Answer 25

The process of monitoring, evaluating, and regulating user-generated content on digital platforms to ensure compliance with community standards, legal requirements, and platform guidelines. Content moderation can involve human moderators, automated systems, or a combination of both.

Question 26

Governance

Answer 26

Refers to the mechanisms, processes, and institutions involved in regulating and managing the New Media ecosystem. This includes both formal governance structures established by governments and informal governance mechanisms implemented by private companies and online communities.

Question 27

Privacy

Answer 27

The right of individuals to control their personal information and determine how it is collected, used, and shared by others. In the context of New Media, privacy concerns often arise due to data collection practices, surveillance technologies, and the sharing of personal information on digital platforms.

Question 28

Social production

Answer 28

Refers to the collaborative creation and sharing of content, knowledge, and resources among individuals or groups facilitated by digital platforms and social networks. It emphasizes the participatory nature of production in the New Media landscape, where users contribute to and shape cultural production.

Question 29

Technological leapfrogging

Answer 29

Occurs when a society or economy bypasses the adoption of older technologies and directly adopts newer, more advanced technologies. In the context of New Media, it can refer to the rapid adoption of digital communication technologies in regions or communities without extensive infrastructure for traditional media.

Question 30

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Answer 30

Refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. In New Media, AI technologies are used for various purposes, including content recommendation, natural language processing, image recognition, and automated decision-making.

Question 31

Apps

Answer 31

Short for “applications,” refers to software programs or applications designed to perform specific tasks or functions on digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Apps are commonly used for communication, productivity, entertainment, and utility purposes in the New Media ecosystem.

Question 32

AI Ethics

Answer 32

Concerns the ethical considerations and implications of developing and deploying artificial intelligence technologies. It involves addressing issues such as bias, transparency, accountability, privacy, and the societal impact of AI systems in the context of New Media and beyond.

Question 33

Moore’s Law

Answer 33

Named after Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, Moore’s Law describes the observation that the number of transistors on integrated circuits doubles approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power and technological advancement. In the context of New Media, Moore’s Law has implications for the development of digital devices, software, and computational capabilities.

Question 34

Ludology

Answer 34

The study of games and gaming phenomena, including their design, mechanics, aesthetics, and cultural significance. In the context of New Media, ludology examines the role of video games, interactive media, and gamification in contemporary culture and society.

Question 35

Creative Networks Industry

Answer 35

A theoretical framework that analyzes narratives and storytelling techniques within the creative industries, including film, television, literature, and digital media. It explores how narratives shape cultural identities, values, and experiences in the New Media landscape.

Question 36

Creative cities

Answer 36

Refers to urban centers that prioritize and foster creativity, innovation, and cultural production across various industries, including New Media. Creative cities often support vibrant arts and cultural scenes, creative industries, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Question 37

Gamification

Answer 37

The integration of game-like elements, such as rewards, challenges, and competition, into non-game contexts, such as education, marketing, and productivity tools. In the context of New Media, gamification is used to engage users, drive behavior change, and enhance user experience.

Question 38

Mass surveillance

Answer 38

The widespread monitoring and collection of data on individuals or populations by governments, corporations, or other entities. In the context of New Media, mass surveillance often involves the use of digital technologies such as CCTV cameras, internet tracking, and data mining for security, marketing, or social control purposes.

Question 39

Moral panics

Answer 39

Refers to public fears or concerns that emerge in response to perceived threats or changes in society, often fueled by media coverage or political rhetoric. In the context of New Media, moral panics may arise around issues such as online safety, digital privacy, or the impact of violent or explicit content on children and society.

Question 40

Surveillance society

Answer 40

Describes a society characterized by pervasive surveillance and monitoring of individuals’ activities, behaviors, and communications, often facilitated by digital technologies and institutional practices. In the context of New Media, the surveillance society raises concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the balance between security and freedom.

Question 41

3 C’s of New Media

Answer 41

1. computing and information technology (IT);
2. communications networks; and
3. content and digitized media.

Question 42

What defines newness?

Answer 42

It is relative, historical, and mediated.