Glossary

Last updated: 5/2/2023

A

Abuse

The mistreatment, cruelty, or harm of an individual or group, often with the intention of exerting power or control over them.

Activism

Activism refers to the efforts of individuals or groups to bring about social, political, or environmental change.

AI

Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.

AR

Augmented Reality is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images onto the user’s view of the real world, typically through a smartphone or other device.

B

BLM

Black Lives Matter is a social movement that campaigns against systemic racism and violence towards black people.

C

Child welfare

Child welfare refers to the protection and promotion of the well-being of children. It involves ensuring their safety, providing for their basic needs, and addressing any issues that may impact their health and development.

Climate change

Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, primarily due to the increase in global temperatures caused by human activities.

Conspiracy theories

Unproven or false explanations of events that are based on secretive, malicious, or manipulative actions by individuals or organizations.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses encryption techniques to secure and verify transactions and to control the creation of new units.

Cyberbullying

The use of digital technologies to harass, intimidate, or harm others, often repeatedly and intentionally.

Cybersecurity

The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital devices from theft, damage, or unauthorized access.

D

Discrimination

The unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on their race, gender, age, religion, or other characteristics.

Disinformation

False or misleading information that is intentionally spread to deceive people, often for political or financial gain.

Diversity

Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of cultural, racial, and social differences within a group, organization, or community.

E

Exploitation

The unfair or unjust use of someone or something for personal gain or profit, often without regard for their well-being or dignity.

F

Fraud

The deliberate deception of people in order to obtain money, goods, or services through false or criminal means.

G

Gender gap

Gender gap refers to the disparity between men and women in terms of opportunities, resources, rights, and treatment, which results in unequal outcomes and representation in various areas of life, such as education, employment, and politics.

H

Hate speech

Speech that is intended to vilify, demean, or dehumanize an individual or group based on their identity, often targeting their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

Human Trafficking

The illegal trade of human beings for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of exploitation.

L

LGBTQ

LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning, and it represents a diverse community of individuals who identify with these sexual orientations and/or gender identities.

M

Metaverse

The Metaverse is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of physical and virtual reality, where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users.

#MeToo

#MeToo is a social movement aimed at raising awareness of the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, particularly in the workplace.

N

NFT

Non-Fungible Token is a digital asset that represents ownership of a unique item, such as artwork or collectibles, and is verified on a blockchain.

O

Online defamation

False statements made about a person or group that harm their reputation, often published online.

Online slander

False and defamatory statements made about a person or group that are published online.

Online violence

Any form of violence or aggression that is perpetrated online, such as harassment, threats, or stalking.

P

Prejudice

Preconceived opinions or attitudes about an individual or group that are not based on reason or actual experience.

R

Racism

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity.

S

Scam

A dishonest scheme or fraud that is intended to deceive people, often for financial gain.

Sexual abuse

The unwanted sexual contact, assault, or exploitation of an individual without their consent.

Sexual assault

Any unwanted sexual contact or behavior, including rape, committed without the victim’s consent.

Sexual exploitation

The act of using someone’s sexuality or sexual services without their consent or against their will, often for personal or financial gain.

Sexual harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment.

Smart contract

A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code, which allows for secure and automated transactions.

Stereotype

A widely held and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

V

VR

Virtual Reality is a technology that immerses the user in a computer-generated environment, simulating a realistic experience that can be interactive and immersive.

W

Well-being

Well-being refers to the overall state of health, happiness, and satisfaction with one’s life.