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Understanding Globalisation in the Digital Age - OCR Sociology A-Level
sidra
@s1dra_h
1 / 5
Understanding Globalisation and Digital Communication
Think about how quickly a TikTok trend spreads worldwide - that's globalisation in action! It's not just Western culture dominating anymore either. Giddens described "reverse colonisation" where non-Western cultures influence the West, like how Mexican culture has transformed California.
The digital revolution over the past 30 years has created a networked global society where we're all connected through screens. Your phone is a perfect example of media convergence - it's replaced newspapers, maps, cameras, and phones all in one device.
Virtual communities like online gaming worlds show how people build real relationships in digital spaces. Researchers have even studied Second Life for years, discovering that people create genuine cultures and social groups online.
Key Point: Digital communication isn't just about technology - it's creating entirely new ways of forming communities and identities that cross geographical boundaries.
How Different Theories View Digital Communication
Different sociological perspectives see digital communication's global impact quite differently, and understanding these viewpoints helps you analyse any exam question effectively.
Marxists argue that big tech companies control the internet to make profits from your personal data. They see digital communication as a new form of surveillance and exploitation, where you're the product being sold to advertisers.
Feminists are split on this topic. Some believe digital platforms spread harmful patriarchal ideas and enable exploitation like sex trafficking. Others argue that women can use these platforms to challenge sexism and build supportive networks.
Postmodernists are generally more optimistic, seeing digital communication as creating exciting cultural mixing and giving people freedom to choose their identities. However, Baudrillard warns about "hyper-reality" - when we can't distinguish between real life and digital reality.
Remember: These aren't just abstract theories - they help explain real issues you see on social media every day, from data privacy concerns to online activism.
Digital Communication's Impact on Relationships and Social Groups
Your generation has grown up with digital communication, but its effects on relationships are complex and worth understanding for both exams and real life.
Positive impacts include staying connected across distances, meeting people with shared interests, and helping isolated elderly people maintain friendships. Turkle suggests the internet lets people present "better" versions of themselves online.
However, there are significant negative consequences too. Cyberbullying affects many young people, and some research suggests digital communication gives an "illusion of companionship" without real friendship demands. Parent-child relationships can suffer when everyone's glued to their devices.
Age differences are particularly interesting - Prensky calls young people "digital natives" who naturally understand online environments. However, the generational divide is shrinking as older adults increasingly use smartphones and social media.
Class inequalities persist in digital access. Helsper found evidence of a "digital underclass" where people without education or employment lag behind in internet use, potentially widening social gaps.
Think About It: How might unequal digital access affect educational and job opportunities, creating a cycle where disadvantaged groups fall further behind?
Global Cultural Impact and Social Change
Digital communication is dramatically reshaping cultures worldwide, but whether this creates more equality or deeper divisions depends on your perspective.
Gender impacts show mixed patterns. While men traditionally dominated gaming and technical skills, women now outnumber men on platforms like Twitter. Haraway suggests people can transcend gender boundaries online by creating new identities as "cyborgs" (part human, part machine).
Unfortunately, digital platforms also enable serious exploitation. Feminist researchers highlight how globalisation facilitates sex trafficking and online exploitation, with digital communication making these harmful industries more accessible.
Cultural homogenisation occurs when Western (particularly American) ideas dominate global digital spaces. Since English is the internet's main language, Western concepts like capitalism and consumerism spread worldwide, potentially erasing local cultures.
However, glocalisation offers hope - this means global ideas get adapted to local needs. Indigenous groups now use the internet to protect their lands and cultures, while platforms like Facebook create region-specific features.
Key Example: The Zapatista rebels in Mexico used digital communication to gain international support for their cause, showing how local groups can leverage global networks for positive change.
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Globalisation in the Digital Age - OCR Sociology A-Level
sidra
@s1dra_h
Ever wondered how your smartphone connects you to cultures thousands of miles away? Globalisation and digital communication are reshaping how we interact, form identities, and experience the world around us. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping how modern society... Show more
Understanding Globalisation and Digital Communication
Think about how quickly a TikTok trend spreads worldwide - that's globalisation in action! It's not just Western culture dominating anymore either. Giddens described "reverse colonisation" where non-Western cultures influence the West, like how Mexican culture has transformed California.
The digital revolution over the past 30 years has created a networked global society where we're all connected through screens. Your phone is a perfect example of media convergence - it's replaced newspapers, maps, cameras, and phones all in one device.
Virtual communities like online gaming worlds show how people build real relationships in digital spaces. Researchers have even studied Second Life for years, discovering that people create genuine cultures and social groups online.
Key Point: Digital communication isn't just about technology - it's creating entirely new ways of forming communities and identities that cross geographical boundaries.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How Different Theories View Digital Communication
Different sociological perspectives see digital communication's global impact quite differently, and understanding these viewpoints helps you analyse any exam question effectively.
Marxists argue that big tech companies control the internet to make profits from your personal data. They see digital communication as a new form of surveillance and exploitation, where you're the product being sold to advertisers.
Feminists are split on this topic. Some believe digital platforms spread harmful patriarchal ideas and enable exploitation like sex trafficking. Others argue that women can use these platforms to challenge sexism and build supportive networks.
Postmodernists are generally more optimistic, seeing digital communication as creating exciting cultural mixing and giving people freedom to choose their identities. However, Baudrillard warns about "hyper-reality" - when we can't distinguish between real life and digital reality.
Remember: These aren't just abstract theories - they help explain real issues you see on social media every day, from data privacy concerns to online activism.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Digital Communication's Impact on Relationships and Social Groups
Your generation has grown up with digital communication, but its effects on relationships are complex and worth understanding for both exams and real life.
Positive impacts include staying connected across distances, meeting people with shared interests, and helping isolated elderly people maintain friendships. Turkle suggests the internet lets people present "better" versions of themselves online.
However, there are significant negative consequences too. Cyberbullying affects many young people, and some research suggests digital communication gives an "illusion of companionship" without real friendship demands. Parent-child relationships can suffer when everyone's glued to their devices.
Age differences are particularly interesting - Prensky calls young people "digital natives" who naturally understand online environments. However, the generational divide is shrinking as older adults increasingly use smartphones and social media.
Class inequalities persist in digital access. Helsper found evidence of a "digital underclass" where people without education or employment lag behind in internet use, potentially widening social gaps.
Think About It: How might unequal digital access affect educational and job opportunities, creating a cycle where disadvantaged groups fall further behind?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Global Cultural Impact and Social Change
Digital communication is dramatically reshaping cultures worldwide, but whether this creates more equality or deeper divisions depends on your perspective.
Gender impacts show mixed patterns. While men traditionally dominated gaming and technical skills, women now outnumber men on platforms like Twitter. Haraway suggests people can transcend gender boundaries online by creating new identities as "cyborgs" (part human, part machine).
Unfortunately, digital platforms also enable serious exploitation. Feminist researchers highlight how globalisation facilitates sex trafficking and online exploitation, with digital communication making these harmful industries more accessible.
Cultural homogenisation occurs when Western (particularly American) ideas dominate global digital spaces. Since English is the internet's main language, Western concepts like capitalism and consumerism spread worldwide, potentially erasing local cultures.
However, glocalisation offers hope - this means global ideas get adapted to local needs. Indigenous groups now use the internet to protect their lands and cultures, while platforms like Facebook create region-specific features.
Key Example: The Zapatista rebels in Mexico used digital communication to gain international support for their cause, showing how local groups can leverage global networks for positive change.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user