Digital Media Literacy Terms
In today’s digital world, understanding the language of the internet is essential for navigating it safely and confidently. This glossary provides key terms and concepts related to digital media literacy, helping you to better understand how online platforms work, how content is created and shared, and how to critically evaluate what you see online. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young person, these definitions will empower you to make informed decisions and promote a positive, responsible digital experience.
Glossary of Digital Media Literacy Terms
- Algorithm
A set of rules or instructions used by platforms and apps to decide what content to show you based on your behaviour and preferences.
- Clickbait
Sensationalized or misleading headlines designed to attract clicks, often leading to low-quality or irrelevant content.
- Content Moderation
The process of monitoring and managing user-generated content on platforms to ensure it adheres to community guidelines and rules.
- Cookies
Small files stored on your device by websites to remember your preferences or track your online activity.
- Critical Thinking
The ability to evaluate information objectively and make reasoned judgments, especially important in assessing online content.
- Cyberbullying
Bullying that takes place online through social media, messaging, gaming platforms, or other digital communication tools.
- Deepfake
A type of media where artificial intelligence is used to create realistic but false images, audio, or videos.
- Digital Citizenship
The practice of using technology responsibly, ethically, and safely while engaging in online communities.
- Digital Footprint
The trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet, including posts, likes, searches, and website visits.
- Digital Well-Being
The practice of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life and using technology in a way that promotes mental and emotional health.
- Disinformation
False information deliberately created and spread to mislead or manipulate people.
- Echo Chamber
An online space where people are exposed only to opinions or information that align with their existing beliefs, reinforcing those views.
- Fact-Checking
The process of verifying information to ensure it is accurate and truthful, often used to counteract misinformation.
- Filter Bubble
A situation where algorithms show you content that aligns with your existing interests or beliefs, limiting exposure to different perspectives.
- Influencer
An individual with a large online following who uses their platform to share content, often promoting brands, products, or ideas.
- Media Bias
The perceived or real partiality of journalists and news producers in selecting and presenting stories, often influenced by political, economic, or cultural agendas.
- Misinformation
False or inaccurate information that is shared, regardless of intent to deceive.
- Nudges
Subtle design elements or features in apps and websites intended to influence user behaviour, such as auto playing videos or notifications.
- Phishing
A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information like passwords or credit card details by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A security process that requires two different forms of verification, such as a password and a code sent to your phone, to access an account.
This glossary can help parents, educators, and young people better understand the key concepts of digital media literacy, empowering them to navigate the online world with confidence and critical thinking.
