Digital technologies refer to the use of electronic devices and the Internet to create, store, access, and exchange digital information. The impact of digital technologies on the entertainment and cultural industries has been significant and widespread.

In the entertainment industry, digital technologies have transformed the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. For example, digital music and video streaming platforms have made it easier for consumers to access a vast library of content from anywhere, at any time. 

Digital technologies have also made it easier for independent artists to reach a global audience, showcase their talents and share their work directly with fans.

In the cultural industry, digital technologies have made it possible to preserve and make available vast amounts of cultural heritage and knowledge, such as historical documents, artifacts, and artwork. They have also enabled the creation of new forms of cultural expression, such as digital art and virtual reality experiences.

What is DigComp 2.2?
DigComp 2.2 is a framework developed by the European Commission to help individuals, organizations, and policymakers better understand and evaluate digital competences. It is an update to the original DigComp 2.1 framework and focuses on five key areas of digital competence: Information and data literacy, Communication and collaboration, Digital content creation, Safety, and Problem Solving.

DigComp 2.2 also provides a selection of self-assessment tool that individuals can use to evaluate their digital competences across the competence areas.

How is DigComp related to using digital technologies for entertainment and culture?

This module supports the development of competence 2.1 Interacting through digital technologies, with a focus on those related to entertainment and culture, aiming to enhance learners’ digital literacy and help them fully participate in the cultural and entertainment opportunities offered by the digital age.

In DigComp 2.2, the above-mentioned competence falls under the area 2.Communication and Collaboration and refers to the ability to interact with digital technologies for various purposes, including entertainment and culture. This competence includes the skills and knowledge needed to use digital tools to communicate, connect, and collaborate with others in a variety of contexts, such as for leisure or educational purposes.

In the realm of entertainment, digital technologies have revolutionised the way people consume media. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify have become increasingly popular, allowing users to access a vast library of movies, TV shows, and music on demand. Virtual events, gaming, and e-sports have also become more prevalent, providing opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy various forms of digital entertainment.

In terms of culture, digital technologies have made it easier for people to access and engage with a variety of cultural content, such as ebooks, audio books, online museums, and exhibitions. Virtual reality experiences offer a unique way to explore art, history, and culture in a fully immersive way.

Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for interacting through digital technologies for entertainment and culture. This includes the ability to use digital tools to connect with others who share similar interests, as well as to effectively navigate and engage with various forms of digital media.

Digital technologies have revolutionised the way people access and consume entertainment and cultural content. There are a variety of popular digital technologies available for entertainment and culture, including streaming services, virtual events, and online museums.

Each technology has unique features and capabilities. While each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, overall, digital technologies for entertainment and culture provide increased accessibility, convenience, and opportunities for engagement. 

However, it is important to note that digital technologies also raise questions about issues such as accessibility, privacy, and ownership. As the entertainment and cultural industries continue to evolve and grow, it will be important to carefully consider the benefits and challenges of digital technologies to ensure that they are used in ways that are sustainable and equitable. The rise of digital piracy and illegal file sharing has had a negative impact on the music and film industries, leading to revenue losses and job cuts.

Digital technologies, even for positive purposes such as culture and entertainment, should be used mindfully. The relationship between the use of such technology (especially of VR and e-games) and wellbeing, health, cognitive performance or social competence and relationships among people is complex, depending on a variety of factors.

Online platforms known as streaming services offer on-demand access to a wide range of digital media material, including movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. On their connected devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, or PCs, users can access these services online and stream the material. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify are some well-known examples. They make it easy and flexible for users to access a wide range of digital media content, but to use them well, users need to keep a few things in mind.

Here are a few aspects to think about, including:
 

	Costs: Users should take into account the price of the membership plan that best meets their needs and budget when choosing a streaming service.
	Content accessibility: Before signing up for a streaming service, users should verify that the content they wish to watch or listen to is available. Streaming services offer a variety of types and genres of content.
	Both the quality of the content and the speed and reliability of the internet connection affect the quality of streaming. For a seamless streaming experience, users must have a dependable and fast internet connection.
	User experience: Users should think about the user interfaces and features of streaming services, as well as their usability, personalization possibilities, and accessibility.
	Device compatibility: Users must determine whether their devices are compatible with the streaming service they intend to use because not all streaming services are compatible with all types of devices. Data usage: As streaming services require a lot of data, consumers should think about their data caps and the expense of exceeding them.
	Licensing and copyright requirements: Streaming services must abide by license and copyright laws, and customers should use the services ethically and lawfully.

Virtual events are online gatherings or experiences that take place in a virtual environment. They are designed to replicate the experience of an in-person event, such as a conference, trade show, concert, a festival, or a webinar. 

They offer several benefits, such as accessibility, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, interactivity, data collection, and innovation. Virtual events are a growing trend in the event industry, offering new opportunities for engagement, connection, and innovation in a digital world.

There are multiple types of online events available, from conferences, virtual concerts and festivals( which can involve live or pre-recorded performances by musicians, artists, or comedians, often with interactive features such as audience chat rooms, virtual meet and greets, and backstage tours), to  immersive experiences that use VR headsets or other technologies to simulate a 3D environment and offer interactive elements such as games, simulations, or social activities.

Users can explore art and culture from all over the world from the comfort of their own devices by visiting online museums and exhibitions, which are digital versions of actual museums and exhibits. It is possible to access a wide variety of artistic and cultural content from all over the world through online museums and exhibitions, regardless of their physical location or capacity for travel. You have the opportunity to learn about various cultures and artistic movements, gain a deeper understanding of history and art, and view exhibits and collections at their own pace. Moreover, online museums provide advantages beyond comfort and accessibility, such as the possibility to interact and engage with art and culture in novel and creative ways, as well as the potential to increase audience interaction with museums.

For example, The Louvre, British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and Vatican Museums offer online exhibits and collections, as well as virtual tours of their galleries and exhibits.

The Google Arts & Culture platform provides access to collections from over 2,000 museums and galleries around the world, with a range of interactive features and multimedia content.