The Digitization of the World

The document defines digitization as the conversion of information into binary data, enabling easier preservation and global access. It details the evolution of digital hardware and the transition of books and newspapers into electronic formats, specifically highlighting the role of 'electronic paper' and the Amazon Kindle. The text also examines the 'digitization of people' through the Human Genome Project and the Visible Human Project, discussing the potential for creating digital clones and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and personhood. Finally, it argues that digital convergence leads to the creation of 'digital alter egos' that may privilege those with access while excluding others.

• Digitization converts information into discrete units of data called bits, which are typically organized into bytes, allowing text, images, audio, and video to be processed by computers.
• Digital information products are considered 'nonrivalrous resources' because they can be duplicated with complete fidelity without damaging the original, leading to significant legal conflicts over patents and copyright.
• Digital technologies provide a new paradigm for preservation, particularly in developing countries with tropical or sub-tropical climates where poor storage environments typically degrade physical media.
• The evolution of electronic books has moved from early handheld devices to 'electronic paper' technology, such as that used in the Sony Reader and Amazon Kindle, which reduces glare and eye strain compared to conventional screens.
• The digitization of newspapers has forced traditional print media to shift toward providing more contextualization and analysis, as digital editions provide the immediate facts more quickly.
• The Human Genome Project and the Visible Human Project have created digital blueprints of human beings; the latter produced 3D representations of a male and female body, with the male subject becoming a 15gigabyte database by late 1994.
• Digital convergence is leading toward the creation of miniaturized devices that act as 'digital alter egos,' potentially creating a social divide between those who possess these identity and health records and those who are excluded.

APA

Lee, P. (2008). The Digitization of the World. World Association for Christian Communication. https://new.waccglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/13digitization.pdf

Chicago

Lee, Philip. The Digitization of the World. World Association for Christian Communication, 2008. https://new.waccglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/13digitization.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Lee |first1=Philip |title=The Digitization of the World |publisher=World Association for Christian Communication |date=2008 |url=https://new.waccglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/13digitization.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{lee2008digitization, author = {Lee, Philip}, title = {{The Digitization of the World}}, institution = {World Association for Christian Communication}, year = {2008}, url = {https://new.waccglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/13digitization.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }