ISSUES
: The Internet of Things
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Glossary
Glossary
Blue light
Experts believe that long-term exposure to blue light
can damage the eye. It has also been linked to poor
sleep as it disrupts your body’s natural rhythm.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
A scheme employed by schools in which they
encourage pupils to bring their own devices into the
classroom, to be used as part of lessons. For example
tablets and smartphones.
Digital footprint
The ‘trail’ a person leaves behind when they interact
with the digital environment. This evidence left behind
gives clues as to the person’s existence, presence and
identify. It also refers to what other people may say
about you online, not just yourself: sometimes also
referred to as your online presence.
Digital native
A person who has grown up surrounded by digital
technology, such as mobile phones, computers and
the Internet (the current 12- to 18-year-old generation).
Facebook
Facebook is a social media platform that allows people
to connect with one another, set up profiles, share
photos and post updates about what they are doing.
In-app purchasing
This refers to purchases made ‘within’ an app. For
example, if you download a free app and are then
asked to buy ‘upgrades’ that allow you more lives or
access to different parts of the game. Often, children
make accidental purchases through their parents’
accounts when devices remember passwords and
account information.
Internet
A worldwide system of interlinked computers, all
communicating with each other via phone lines,
satellite links, wireless networks and cable systems.
Screen time
A term used to refer to the amount of time someone
(usually young children) spend in front of a screen. For
example, a tablet, smartphone or computer.
Sexting
The exchange of sexually explicit photographs or
messages via mobile phone.
Social media
Websites or apps that allow people to create and share
social content with one another.
Social networking sites
A place online where people, usually with similar
interests, hobbies or backgrounds, can build social
networks and social relations together. Examples
include websites such as Facebook, Twitter and
Pinterest.
Superfast broadband
Superfast broadband is defined as providing download
speeds of over 24 Mbps. Currently, the Government
aims to have superfast broadband available in 95% of
UK premises by the end of 2017 but many rural areas
are still struggling with very low download speeds.
Technology addiction
A compulsive need to use technology like smartphones,
smartwatches, computers, video games, etc.
The Internet of Things
This term refers to the network of objects that now
connect via the Internet. For example, cars, watches,
fridges, etc.
Trolling
Troll is Internet slang for someone who intentionally
posts something online to provoke a reaction. The
idea behind the trolling phenomenon is that it is about
humour, mischief and, some argue, freedom of speech;
it can be anything from a cheeky remark to a violent
threat. However, sometimes these Internet pranks can
be taken too far, such as a person who defaces Internet
tributes site, causing the victim’s family further grief.
Twitter
A social networking site that allows people to post
‘tweets’ (updates) of no more than 140 characters.
