DGB 1: Changes in Media Use

← Digital Literacy – Year 1

People use media to obtain information, communicate, learn, entertain themselves, create content and organise everyday life. Media use changes when new technologies, services and social practices emerge. These changes affect not only devices, but also habits, expectations and participation in society.

Curriculum reference

Area	Classification
Competence area	Action
Focus	Forms of media use, media change and social change
Competence	Compare older and newer forms of media use and describe basic opportunities, challenges and social effects of media change.

Learning objectives

Students can:

name different forms of media use;
classify media use as information, communication, entertainment, education or organisation;
compare older and newer forms of media;
describe simple developments in media change;
explain that new media may complement, change or partly replace older media;
describe changes in speed, availability and opportunities for participation;
name opportunities such as access, networking and participation;
explain challenges such as information overload, privacy issues or constant availability;
recognise that media change does not affect all people in the same way.

Learning content

What are forms of media use?

People use media to obtain information, communicate, learn, be entertained, be creative or organise everyday life. One medium can serve several purposes at the same time.

A smartphone, for example, combines telephone, camera, browser, navigation, music, messaging and many other functions in a single device.

Then and now

Many activities can be compared in pairs: letter and messenger, encyclopaedia and search engine, radio and podcast, television and streaming, CD and playlist, paper map and navigation app.

These comparisons show changes in speed, accessibility, storage, interactivity and effort. They also reveal similarities: people still want to inform, tell stories, entertain themselves and stay in contact with others.

From fixed times to on-demand availability

In the past, media content was more often tied to broadcast times, opening hours or physical locations. Digital content can often be accessed at any time. Streaming services, media libraries and online news have therefore changed expectations about availability.

This flexibility is useful, but it can also make it harder to set clear boundaries around media use.

From receiving to participating

With many traditional media, people were mainly readers, listeners or viewers. Digital platforms make it easier to publish, comment on, share and modify content oneself.

This increases opportunities for participation, but also increases responsibility for what is published and shared.

Opportunities created by media change

Digital media can provide rapid access to information, communication across long distances, new forms of learning, creative production and participation in public life.

Possible opportunities include access, speed, diversity, networking, participation, flexibility and collaborative production.

Challenges

A larger amount of information increases the need for selection and assessment. False information can spread quickly, personal data can become visible unintentionally and constant availability can become stressful.

Possible challenges include information overload, disinformation, privacy risks, distraction, time pressure, dependency and constant availability.

Old and new media exist side by side

Media change does not mean that a new medium always completely replaces an older one. Books and e-books, radio and podcasts, or printed and digital newspapers can exist alongside one another.

Which form people prefer depends on factors such as age, habits, equipment, situation, interests and accessibility.

Media change is also social change

Media influence how people learn, maintain relationships, organise appointments, receive political information and participate in public communication. Technical changes therefore affect social habits as well.

At the same time, social needs, rules and business models influence which technologies become established. Media change is an interaction between technology and society.

Classroom activities

Classify media in everyday life

The class collects examples of media and services used in their environment.

Task: Classify the examples as information, communication, entertainment, education or organisation. Multiple classifications are allowed but must be explained.

Expected outcome: Awareness of the many different functions of media.

Then-and-now table

Several media practices are compared historically.

Task: Compare at least four pairs according to speed, accessibility, ease of modification and opportunities for participation.

Expected outcome: Concrete similarities and differences.

Create a timeline

Selected media developments are placed in an approximate chronological order.

Task: Create a timeline with at least six stages and note which new form of use became possible or more common at each stage.

Expected outcome: A connection between technological development and patterns of use.

Discuss opportunities and challenges

Consider a current media practice such as streaming, messaging or online news.

Task: Name two opportunities and two challenges and formulate one rule for responsible use.

Expected outcome: Balanced reflection rather than uncritical enthusiasm or rejection of technology.

Self-check

I can name different forms of media use.
I can compare older and newer media practices.
I can describe how availability and participation have changed.
I can identify opportunities and challenges of media change.
I understand that technological and social change influence each other.