Digital Materiality

Digital materiality refers to the physical aspects of digital technology—like the hardware, servers, and data storage devices—that underpin digital content and experiences. It highlights that digital information isn’t just abstract data; it relies on tangible components such as circuits, chips, and physical infrastructure. Recognizing digital materiality helps us understand how digital systems are built, maintained, and have environmental impacts. Essentially, it emphasizes that digital worlds are rooted in real-world materials and engineering, connecting the virtual and physical realms in meaningful ways.