Digital Media 101: Digital Media Foundations History of Digital Media ARPANET to Web 20 to Web3 Key Innovations Browser Search Engine Social Networks

What It Is

The history of digital media spans from the development of ARPANET in the 1960s to the emergence of Web3. This evolution is characterized by key innovations such as the browser, search engine, and social networks. A canonical example is the launch of Google's search engine in 1998, which revolutionized the way people access and interact with online information. This matters for understanding digital culture, platform design, and the digital economy, as it highlights the importance of search engines in shaping online experiences and influencing user behavior.

Key Terms & Concepts

• ARPANET: The first operational packet switching network, developed in 1969 by the United States Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA).
• Browser: A software application that allows users to access and view web pages, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
• Search Engine: A software system that indexes and retrieves web pages based on user queries, such as Google or Bing.
• Social Network: A platform that enables users to create and manage online relationships, such as Facebook or Twitter.
• Web 1.0: The first generation of the World Wide Web, characterized by static web pages and limited user interaction (1991-2004).
• Web 2.0: The second generation of the World Wide Web, characterized by dynamic web pages, user-generated content, and social media (2004-2010).
• Web 3.0: The third generation of the World Wide Web, characterized by decentralized, blockchain-based networks and artificial intelligence (2010-present).
• HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol, a protocol used for transferring data over the web (1989).
• HTML: Hypertext Markup Language, a standard markup language used for structuring web pages (1993).
• CSS: Cascading Style Sheets, a style sheet language used for controlling the layout and appearance of web pages (1996).
• Algorithm: A set of instructions used for solving a problem or performing a task, such as Google's PageRank algorithm.
• Personalization: The practice of tailoring online content to individual users based on their preferences and behavior.
• Customization: The practice of allowing users to modify online content to suit their needs.
• Filter Bubble: A phenomenon where users are presented with information that is tailored to their interests, creating an "echo chamber" effect.
• Echo Chamber: A situation where users are only exposed to information that confirms their existing views, rather than being challenged or exposed to diverse perspectives.
• Native Advertising: A type of advertising that is designed to match the form and function of the platform on which it appears, such as sponsored content on social media.

Common Misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: Web 2.0 is a specific platform or technology.
• Correction: Web 2.0 is a term used to describe the second generation of the World Wide Web, characterized by dynamic web pages, user-generated content, and social media. (Source: Tim Berners-Lee, 2006)
• Misunderstanding: Social media is a new concept that emerged with Web 2.0.
• Correction: Social media has its roots in the early days of the web, with platforms like SixDegrees.com (1997) and Friendster (2002) predating Web 2.0. (Source: danah boyd, 2004)
• Misunderstanding: Personalization and customization are interchangeable terms.
• Correction: Personalization involves tailoring online content to individual users based on their preferences and behavior, while customization involves allowing users to modify online content to suit their needs. (Source: Microsoft, 2019)

Quick Application / Identification

Scenario: A social media platform is accused of promoting "filter bubbles" by only showing users content that is tailored to their interests.

• What concept is being applied in this scenario?
• Answer: Filter Bubble
• Explanation: The social media platform is creating an "echo chamber" effect by only showing users content that confirms their existing views, rather than challenging them with diverse perspectives.

Last-Minute Revision

• ARPANET was developed in 1969 by the United States Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA).
• Google's search engine was launched in 1998.
• Web 2.0 is characterized by dynamic web pages, user-generated content, and social media.
• The first social media platform was SixDegrees.com, launched in 1997.
• Personalization involves tailoring online content to individual users based on their preferences and behavior.
• Customization involves allowing users to modify online content to suit their needs.
• The term "filter bubble" was coined by Eli Pariser in 2011.
• Web 3.0 is characterized by decentralized, blockchain-based networks and artificial intelligence.
• HTTP was developed in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee.
• HTML was developed in 1993 by Tim Berners-Lee.
• CSS was developed in 1996 by Håkon Wium Lie.
• The PageRank algorithm was developed by Google in 1998.
• ⚠️: Do not confuse personalization with customization.
• ⚠️: Do not assume that social media is a new concept that emerged with Web 2.0.
• ⚠️: Do not confuse filter bubbles with echo chambers.