Navigating the Digital Landscape
Our world is increasingly digital. Each day, we rely on a number of digital tools to communicate in our personal, professional, and academic lives. Below are five key themes for understanding the contours of our new digital world, along with references to the key concepts in this book that will help you use digital technology in an intentional, professional, and healthy way.
Smartphones
| Year | Number of Users |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 2.5 billion |
| 2017 | 2.7 billion |
| 2018 | 2.9 billion |
| 2019 | 3.2 billion |
| 2020 | 3.5 billion (forecast) |
| 2021 | 3.8 billion (forecast) |
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide
How have smartphones changed interpersonal communication? How might they continue to alter the course of communication in the future? For more info on this topic, see page 28; and in LauchPad see Chapter 2, Communication across Cultures: Mobile Apps Compete for World Influence.
Social Media
| Platform | Percentage of U.S. Adults |
|---|---|
| YouTube | 73% |
| 69% | |
| 37% | |
| 28% | |
| 27% | |
| Snapchat | 24% |
| 22% | |
| 20% | |
| 11% |
Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/12/20/10-tech-related-trends-that-shaped-the-decade
Of these most widely used platforms, which do you think will stand the test of time? What does this say about our communication preferences? For more info on this topic, see page 29; and in LaunchPad see Chapter 2, Phishing video activity.
Media Effects
Online Harrasment: A Reality for All Ages
- 59% of teens say they have been bullied or harassed online.
- 41% of adults say they have been bullied or harassed online.
In what ways does the anonymity of the internet leave its users open to harassment? What advice would you give to a teen or adult struggling with harassment online? For more info on this topic, see page 40; and in LaunchPad see Chaper 9, Trolling video activity.
Data Privacy
Lack of Confidence in the Safety of Our Data
- 84% of Americans feel they have very little or no control over the data collected about them by the government.
- 64% report that they feel at least somewhat concerned about how the government is using the data it collectes about them.
What steps can digital communicators take to protect their private data? For more info on this topic, see page 35; and in LaunchPad see Chapter 2, Phishing video activity.
Working in a Digital Era
Diversity Concerns in the Tech Industry
- 73% of Americans feel that the tech industry is discriminatory against women
- 68% of Americans feel that the tech industry is discriminatory against black and Hispanic Americans
If you were an employer in the tech industry, what steps might you take to provide equal opportunities for women and people of color? For more info on this topic, see page 9; and in LaunchPad see Chapter 12, Protégé video activity.