Media Theory: Etymology, Digital-Analog, and Ecology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on media origins, digital vs analog, and media ecology.

Medium / Media

A channel or conduit for communication; etymology from Latin 'medias' (intermediary) and Greek concepts of communication; meanings evolve and can shift or collapse over time.

Semantic drift

The process by which the meaning of a word changes over time as it is used in different contexts.

Analog

A continuous representation or signal that varies smoothly over time, in contrast to discrete digital units.

Digital

A representation based on discrete units or codes; information is segmented into specific units, contrasting with continuous analog.

Code

The language of machines that tells hardware how to express information; digital content is expressed as code controlling switches (on/off).

Physical media

Tangible artifacts that carry information (film, records, CDs, tapes, books, paintings, sculptures, etc.).

Betamax

An obsolete videotape format; an example of how physical media formats can become extinct.

One-way media

Media that transmits information in a single direction without user feedback or interaction.

Two-way media

Interactive media that allows users to input, influence content, and provide feedback to the system.

Media ecology

The study of how different media coexist and interact within the same device/environment and shape our engagement with content.

Product is us

The concept that on the Internet, user attention and data are the product sold by platforms; content is a vehicle to capture engagement.

Personalization / targeted ads

Algorithm-driven customization of ads to an individual's data and behavior; a core revenue mechanism for online platforms.