This Smartphone Web Dictionary is designed specifically for first-time smartphone users who are just starting to navigate the world of mobile technology. It includes only the most essential terms that are most relevant and useful to someone who is new to using a smartphone. Whether you are trying to understand the basics of connecting to the internet or simply looking to learn how to take a picture, this dictionary has got you covered.  It’s the perfect resource for anyone looking to get started with their new smartphone.

App Store
A platform where users can browse and download various applications to use on their smartphones. Examples include Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

Algorithm
A set of rules that determine what content appears on a social media platform. These algorithms are designed to show users the content that is most relevant to them, based on factors such as their location, interests, and behavior.

Blog
A website or section of a website that is regularly updated with information, opinions, or personal experiences by an individual or group of individuals.

Bluetooth
A wireless technology that allows devices to connect and transfer data without the need for physical connections. This technology is often used to connect smartphones to other devices such as headphones, speakers, or car stereo systems.

Camera
A built-in digital camera that allows users to take photographs and videos. Most smartphones today have high-quality cameras with features such as zoom, flash, and auto-focus.

Chatroom
An online space where people can have real-time conversations in a group setting.

Comment
A message or response posted on a blog, website, or social media platform in response to a post or content.

Cookie
A cookie is a small text file that is stored on a user’s device by a website. The cookie contains information about the user’s preferences, activities, and settings on that website. This information is used to provide a personalized experience for the user and to remember the user’s settings and preferences between visits. For example, a cookie can be used to remember a user’s login information, so they do not have to enter it every time they visit the website. Cookies can also be used to track a user’s behavior on a website, such as the pages they visit, the products they view, and their purchasing history.

Cyberbullying
The use of electronic communication to harass, humiliate, or threaten another person.

Cyberstalking
The use of electronic communication to harass or intimidate another person.

Display
The screen of a smartphone that displays images, text, and other information. The quality of the display is determined by its resolution, pixel density, and size.

Domain Name
The address of a website on the internet, typically consisting of a unique string of characters and a top-level domain.

Emoji
A pictorial representation of an idea, emotion, or object, used in electronic communication.

Fingerprint Scanner
A biometric security feature that allows users to unlock their smartphones by placing their finger on the scanner.

GPS
A global positioning system that uses satellites to determine the location of a device. This feature is used by many smartphone applications to provide users with maps, directions, and location-based services.

Hashtag
A keyword or phrase, preceded by the “#” symbol, used to categorize and organize content on social media. Hashtags make it easier for users to find content that is relevant to their interests, and are commonly used on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Home Screen
The first screen that appears when a smartphone is turned on. It typically displays icons for frequently used applications, contacts, and settings.

Internet
A global network of computers and devices connected to each other to share information and communicate. Smartphones can access the internet using Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Influencer
A person or brand that has a large following on social media and is able to influence their audience’s buying decisions, opinions, or attitudes. Influencers are often paid to promote products or services on their social media accounts.

Internet of Things (IoT)
A network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, allowing these objects to collect and exchange data.

Like
A way to express approval or appreciation for a piece of content on social media. Liking a post or photo shows that you support the content and makes it more visible to other users.

Meme
An image, video, piece of text, or a combination of these, that is spread widely through the internet and often used to express humor or a political opinion.

Mobile Data
A cellular data connection that allows smartphones to access the internet without being connected to a Wi-Fi network. This feature is dependent on the quality and availability of the cellular network.

Netiquette
A set of rules and guidelines for polite and appropriate behavior while using the internet.

News Feed
The main page on a social media platform that displays updates from friends and pages that you follow. The news feed is designed to show you the most relevant and recent content, and is updated in real-time.

Online Community
A group of people who share common interests and interact through an online platform.

Online Privacy
The right to keep personal information and data secure and protected from unauthorized access or use.

Operating System
The software that controls the basic functions of a smartphone. Examples include Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

Profile
A page on a social media platform that represents a user or brand. Profiles often include information such as name, bio, location, and links to other social media accounts.

Share
A way to repost or forward a piece of content on social media. Sharing allows you to spread the content to a wider audience and can increase its visibility and reach.

Siri/Google Assistant
A virtual assistant that can be activated by voice command to perform tasks such as making calls, sending messages, and searching the internet.

Social Media
A platform or website where users can create and share content, interact with others, and build online communities.

Spam
Unwanted or unsolicited electronic messages, typically sent in large numbers and often promoting a product or service.

Streaming
The delivery of audio, video, or multimedia content over the internet in real-time.

Storage
The amount of data that can be stored on a smartphone, including photos, videos, music, and applications. Storage can be expanded through the use of memory cards or cloud storage.

Story
A temporary photo or video that disappears from a social media platform after 24 hours. Stories are often used to share real-time updates and personal moments with friends and followers.

Trending Topic
A subject or hashtag that is currently being widely discussed or shared on social media. Trending topics can be a reflection of current events, popular culture, or global issues, and are often shown on the news feed or trending section of a social media platform.

Troll
A person who deliberately provokes or harasses others on social media, often with the intention of inciting a reaction or stirring up controversy. Trolls can cause harm and create a toxic online environment, and are often blocked or reported by other users.

Touchscreen
A display that allows users to interact with a smartphone by touching the screen. This feature replaced traditional buttons and keys and is now a standard feature on most smartphones.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The address of a specific web page or resource on the internet. (HTTPS://ThisIsTheURL.COM)

Verified Account
A social media account that has been officially confirmed as authentic by the platform. Verified accounts often belong to public figures, celebrities, and businesses, and are given a blue checkmark to distinguish them from other accounts.

Viral
A piece of content that spreads quickly and widely on social media, often through sharing, reposting, or retweets. Viral content can be a video, photo, meme, or article, and is often considered entertaining, impactful, or newsworthy.

Virus
A malicious program or code that is designed to spread from one computer to another, often causing damage or disruption to computer systems.

Web 2.0
A term used to describe the evolution of the internet from a static information source to a dynamic and interactive platform, characterized by user-generated content and social media.

Webhost
A service that provides storage space and resources for a website on a server connected to the internet.

Wi-Fi
A technology that allows devices to connect to the internet using a wireless network. Smartphones can connect to Wi-Fi networks to access the internet or to transfer data with other devices.

Wiki
A type of website that allows users to add, edit, and delete content collectively, often used as a collaborative knowledge database.

YouTube
A video-sharing platform where users can upload, share, and view videos.

Zoom
A feature that allows users to magnify a portion of an image or video. This feature is often found in smartphone cameras and is useful for capturing distant or small objects.