Cyberspace and Digital Life in Spain: A-Level Study Guide

El ciberespacio

News and Current Events

• La edad para tener el primer móvil llega a los acuerdos de divorcio en España

• La ley de protección de menores obligará a instalar un control parental de fábrica en los móviles

• Dos de cada diez jóvenes bloquean perfiles en redes sociales por acoso, insultos o por recibir mensajes de odio

• Los niños, las principales víctimas del abuso sexual online: representan el 84% de los casos denunciados

• El acoso escolar no es ningún juego

• Bullying: No es cosa de niños (video)

• El 75% de los jóvenes españoles prefiere internet a salir de fiesta en su tiempo de ocio

• El 26% de los jóvenes paga a diario con su móvil, tres puntos porcentuales más que en 2022

• La inteligencia artificial sacude los cimientos de la fotografía: "Las imágenes han dejado de ser un reflejo de la realidad"

• Mujeres y videojuegos: un mundo lleno de estereotipos y discriminación

• ¿Con o sin móvil?: la dificultad de convivir con la tecnología y no ser absorbido por ella

Vocabulary downloads

Vocabulary list - El ciberespacio

Quizlet revision

Spanish films and series

1. Black Mirror (2011-Present) - Created by Charlie Brooker (UK/Spain) - NETFLIX

Recommended Episodes:

• "Nosedive" (Season 3, Episode 1): Explores the impact of social media ratings on personal status and self-worth.

• "San Junipero" (Season 3, Episode 4): Delves into virtual reality and digital consciousness, offering a more positive take on technology.

• "Hated in the Nation" (Season 3, Episode 6): Critiques online mob mentality and the dangers of autonomous technology.

• "The Entire History of You" (Season 1, Episode 3): Examines the consequences of constant surveillance through memory implants.

• "Be Right Back" (Season 2, Episode 1): Discusses AI’s emotional impact by recreating a deceased person’s digital persona.

2. El Ministerio del Tiempo (2015-Present) - Created by Javier Olivares and Pablo Olivares (Spain) - RTVE

This Spanish series, while primarily a time-travel drama, explores the impact of technology and cyberspace on historical events and cultural preservation. Episodes that feature modern technology affecting the past provide a unique perspective on how digital advancements can alter our understanding of history, identity, and societal norms. It’s an interesting choice for analyzing the intersection of tradition and modernity in the context of digital innovation.

3. Hacker (2015) - Directed by Akan Satayev (Spain/USA)

This film follows the story of a young hacker who gets involved in cybercrime, touching on issues such as online security, digital identity, and the consequences of illegal activities in cyberspace. Hacker provides an engaging narrative to explore the darker side of the internet and the impact of digital crime on individuals and society.

4. We Don't Like Captain Sausage (2019) - Directed by Antonio Morales (Spain) - NETFLIX

This Spanish short film follows a group of children who use social media to launch a campaign against a local sausage brand mascot. The film humorously explores the power of online activism and the influence of social media on public opinion, making it a light but insightful resource for discussing the impact of cyberspace on societal values.

5. The Social Dilemma (2020) - Directed by Jeff Orlowski (USA) - NETFLIX

This documentary-drama hybrid features interviews with former employees of major tech companies, revealing the dark side of social media. It explores how algorithms manipulate users, the impact on mental health, and the ethical dilemmas the tech industry faces. The Social Dilemma is highly relevant for understanding the broader implications of cyberspace on society and individual behaviour.