The Dynamic Communication Model and Digital Literacy

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the components of digital communication models, types of digital noise, modality, and digital literacy concepts.

Sender (Encoder)

In digital spaces, the content curator who encodes meaning through text, visuals, layout, and metadata.

Multimodality

The combination of linguistic, visual, audio, spatial, and gestural modes to convey meaning, such as combining text with a meme.

Context Collapse

A phenomenon coined by Danah Boyd and Michael Wesch where distinct social contexts and audiences flatten into a single digital space.

Hyper-Mediation

When communication passes through multiple layers of technology, algorithms, and interface designs before reaching the audience.

Platform Affordances

The possibilities and capabilities a platform enables, such as connection, sharing, and creativity.

Platform Constraints

The limits or rules a platform imposes, such as time limits, privacy risks, and algorithm bias.

Linguistic Mode

A communication mode comprising written or spoken words, word choice, syntax, and narrative structure.

Visual Mode

A communication mode involving color, images, iconography, video clips, typography style, and visual hierarchy.

Audio Mode

A communication mode focusing on sound effects, music, voice modulation, speed, and volume.

Spatial Mode

A communication mode involving layout, proximity, white space, and structural arrangements within a digital interface.

Gestural/Kinesic Mode

In digital spaces, this mode is translated through visual surrogates like animated GIFs, reactions, and avatars.

Technical Noise

Failure or interference unique to digital spaces stemming from hardware, software, or network infrastructure bugs/glitches.

Physical Noise

Environmental factors and sensory distractions, such as loud background sounds or screen glare, that disrupt communication.

Psychological Noise

Internal cognitive filters, emotional states, or biases that interfere with how a message is encoded or decoded.

Semantic Noise

Misunderstandings arising from different interpretations of jargon, generational slang, abbreviations, or missing non-verbal context.

Signifier

The physical form of a sign that we can perceive, such as a red light or a heart shape.

Signified

The concept, idea, or meaning in our minds represented by a specific signifier.

Visual Surrogates

Digital paralanguage, such as emojis and GIFs, used to frame a text statement with irony, humor, or emotion.

Lateral Reading

The practice of leaving a web page to research the credibility of a source using other trusted site channels to verify information.

Technical Fluency

The operational ability to navigate hardware, software, interfaces, and digital tools efficiently.

Socio-Emotional Literacy

The capacity to manage online identity, demonstrate empathy, and navigate digital group dynamics constructively.

Digital Citizenship

The responsible, legal, and ethical use of technology and the internet to learn, create, and participate.

Netiquette

The rules of respectful behavior online that help build positive relationships and a friendly digital environment.