Definition of key words

Question 1

Digital revolution

Answer 1

Refers to the massive and rapid advances in technology which have transformed people’s lives over the past few decades

Question 2

Global Village

Answer 2

Time and distance shrink
World becomes smaller
Increases people’s ability to maintain social relationships with people they know and don’t know
Can make contact with others who share similar interests means it is easier for them to maintain these

Question 3

Virtual communities

Answer 3

A social network of individuals who create an online community which may or may not reflect their offline lives
Community crosses geographical, political and social lines
Allow people to share interests and create and transform identities

Question 4

Social networks

Answer 4

Digital technology has led to a range of digital forms that go beyond face-to-face interaction to form virtual networks of connection

Question 5

Networked global society

Answer 5

Refers to the idea that in post industrial society, the focus is on information as a result of new forms of communication. Those with greater access to info create social networks, often resulting in greater employability and hierarchical status.

Question 6

Social capital

Answer 6

Relationships and connections with people and groups at a global level leads to material reward

Question 7

Media convergence

Answer 7

Refers to the way that a whole range of different kinds of information can be combined and delivered on one format
Also refers to the ways in which social media platforms are able to communicate with each other to share contacts

Question 8

Big data

Answer 8

Refers to extremely large data sets that may be analysed digitally and non-digitally to reveal patterns, trends and links

Question 9

Social media

Answer 9

Refers to any form of digitally based platform for making, confirming or developing social networks which have a global reach, such as second life or Facebook