The effects of internet and social media on art in context of digital art

Within the scope of this master's thesis, the effects of the internet and social media on digital art and the world of art, in general, were investigated. In order to understand the path to the usage of the Internet and social media in the field of arts, first of all, some significant technological advancements are stated. The advancements from the invention of the first computers to the invention of the internet, which connects the whole world, are briefly explained, thereafter, the technological development of the internet, that makes it possible to use it in every sphere of today's life, and the definition and the development of the social media are mentioned. Afterward, the art historical development of digital art, that emerged through these technologies, its terminological and conceptual meaning, and early examples are mentioned, and the art forms in which digital technologies are used as tools and mediums are referred to. Finally, the effects of the internet and social media platforms on art institutions and the artists are evaluated, firstly the effects of the internet and social media platforms on the exhibition of art, and second on the art creation processes of artists, and lastly, the effects of this new environment on art exchange are assessed.