









































Communication, Society and Media 
ISSN 2576-5388 (Print) ISSN 2576-5396 (Online) 

Vol. 6, No. 3, 2023 
www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/csm 

11 
 

Original Paper 

Exploration of Digital Media Integration and Development Path 

under Internet + Environment 
Haoqi Tang1* 

1 Huazhong Agricutural University, 1 Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 

China 
* Haoqi Tang, SisiO2001 1217@outlook.com 

 

Received: June 12, 2023          Accepted: July 20, 2023         Online Published: July 29, 2023 

doi:10.22158/csm.v6n3p11                       URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/csm.v6n3p11 

 

Abstract 

With the continuous popularization of the Internet and the ongoing development of digital technology, 

the application of digital media in the environmental field is becoming increasingly widespread. This 

article explores the development path of digital media integration in the Internet Plus environment and 

proposes future trends and challenges for digital media in the environmental field. Through research 

and analysis, this article believes that the development of digital media integration in the 

environmental field should focus on the following aspects: strengthening technological research and 

development to enhance the application level of digital media in environmental monitoring, early 

warning, and governance; strengthening information construction to enhance the role of digital media 

in environmental information sharing, dissemination, and communication; strengthening talent 

training to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with backgrounds in environmental science and digital 

technology, and promote innovation and application of digital media in the environmental field. This 

article aims to provide references and insights for the development of digital media in the 

environmental field, promote the deep integration of digital media and environmental science, and 

make greater contributions to the cause of environmental protection. 

Keywords 

Internet + Environment, digital media, convergence, development path, environmental protection 
 

1. Introduction 

With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous development of society, 

environmental problems have become a global problem. And digital media is an emerging form of 

media, which has the characteristics of fast information transmission, wide dissemination range and 



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strong interactivity, which has become an important means of environmental governance and protection. 

The development mode of Internet + Environment also provides a broad space and opportunity for the 

application of digital media in the field of environment. This paper aims to explore the development 

path and future trend of digital media in the context of Internet + environment, with a view to providing 

some ideas and reference for the application and innovation of digital media in the field of 

environment. 

 

2. Current Status of Digital Media Applications in the Environmental Field 

2.1 Environmental Monitoring 

Digital media technology can realize real-time collection, transmission and analysis of environmental 

data and improve the precision and efficiency of environmental monitoring. For example, the use of 

digital media technology can realize real-time monitoring and analysis of environmental indicators 

such as air, water quality, soil etc., quickly obtain environmental data, and realize the tracking and 

tracing of environmental pollution sources. In addition, digital media technology can also realize the 

visualization display of environmental data, which is convenient for environmental managers and the 

public to understand the environmental situation (Yusong, 2023). 

2.2 Environmental Early Warning 

Digital media technology can realize real-time assessment and early warning of environmental risks 

and improve the ability to manage environmental risks. For example, the use of digital media 

technology can realize real-time monitoring and analysis of environmental events, provide rapid early 

warning of environmental risks, and disseminate early warning information to a wider audience 

through channels such as online platforms and social media, so as to improve the public’s awareness of 

and ability to respond to environmental risks. 

2.3 Environmental Information Sharing 

Digital media technologies can enable the sharing and exchange of environmental information and 

increase the transparency and openness of environmental information. For example, the establishment 

of environmental information platforms and online communities enhances the sharing and exchange of 

environmental information, facilitates the public’s understanding of environmental policies and 

measures, and increases public awareness of and participation in environmental issues. In addition, 

digital media technology can enable the visual display and analysis of environmental information, 

facilitating the public’s understanding of environmental conditions and trends. 

2.4 Environmental Awareness-raising and Education 

Digital media technology can realize the innovation and enhancement of environmental protection 

publicity and education, and improve the effect of environmental protection publicity and public 

participation. For example, virtual reality, augmented reality and other technical means are utilized to 



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create a more vivid and intuitive environmental experience and improve the attractiveness and 

influence of environmental protection publicity. In addition, digital media technology can also spread 

environmental protection information to a wider audience through channels such as network platforms 

and social media, realizing the all-media and diversification of environmental protection publicity 

(Xueting, 2023). 

 

3. Challenges of Digital Media in the Environmental Field 

3.1 The Digital Divide 

The Digital Divide refers to the disparity and imbalance in the access to and utilization of digital 

technology and information between different regions and groups. It encompasses differences in 

information acquisition, utilization, and communication. The Digital Divide is a global issue, 

particularly severe in developing countries and impoverished areas, posing significant challenges to the 

development of environmental protection and governance. It greatly impacts the dissemination and 

application of digital media in the environmental field. Firstly, the Digital Divide leads to an imbalance 

in information acquisition and dissemination. In the digital information age, information plays a crucial 

role in accessing and disseminating knowledge on environmental protection and governance. However, 

the Digital Divide prevents certain regions and groups from accessing and sharing relevant information, 

thereby affecting the effectiveness of environmental protection and governance. Secondly, the Digital 

Divide affects the level of public participation in environmental protection and governance. The public 

plays a vital role in these areas, but the Digital Divide hinders the involvement of certain regions and 

groups in the processes of environmental protection and governance, diminishing the extent and depth 

of public engagement. Furthermore, the Digital Divide results in incomplete and inaccurate 

environmental data. Digital technology can enhance the collection and analysis of environmental data. 

However, the Digital Divide restricts the ability of certain regions and groups to fully access and utilize 

environmental data, thus impacting the effectiveness of environmental governance (J. J. H., R, 2021). 

Lastly, the Digital Divide exacerbates the inequity of environmental issues. Environmental problems 

are often correlated with socio-economic status, education level, and cultural background. The Digital 

Divide prevents certain regions and groups from accessing and utilizing relevant information and 

technologies, further disabling them in addressing environmental issues and escalating the unfairness of 

environmental problems. To address the Digital Divide, a series of measures are necessary. Firstly, 

governments need to enhance investments in digital technology and information infrastructure, 

particularly in impoverished areas and developing countries. They should implement targeted policies 

and measures, strengthen digital infrastructure construction, improve digital literacy and skills, and 

promote the dissemination and application of digital technology and information. Secondly, the 

involvement of social organizations and businesses needs to be reinforced. These entities can play a 



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crucial role by providing support in terms of funding and technology, helping impoverished areas and 

vulnerable groups access and utilize digital technology and information, thereby narrowing the Digital 

Divide. Lastly, international cooperation needs to be strengthened. The Digital Divide is a global issue 

that requires collective efforts from the international community. Developed countries can offer 

technical and financial support to assist developing countries and impoverished areas in bridging the 

Digital Divide. This will promote the dissemination and application of digital technology and 

information, advancing the cause of environmental protection and governance. 

3.2 Information Asymmetry 

Information Asymmetry refers to the situation in which one party possesses more and accurate 

information during the process of information exchange, while the other party lacks or misunderstands 

the information. In the environmental field, information asymmetry primarily refers to the 

incompleteness, inaccuracy, and lack of transparency of environmental information. This presents 

significant challenges to environmental monitoring and governance, as well as affecting public 

awareness and participation in environmental issues. Firstly, information asymmetry affects the 

effectiveness of environmental monitoring and governance. Incomplete, inaccurate, and 

non-transparent environmental information results in incomplete and inaccurate monitoring and 

governance, thereby impacting the effectiveness of environmental protection and governance. For 

example, if a company does not disclose its emissions, regulatory authorities may struggle to detect and 

address pollution issues promptly, leading to incomplete environmental governance. Secondly, 

information asymmetry affects the level of public participation in environmental protection and 

governance. The public plays a vital role in environmental protection and governance. However, if the 

public lacks understanding or has inaccurate information about the environment, they are less likely to 

effectively participate in environmental protection and governance processes. For instance, if the public 

is unaware of a company’s environmental emissions, it becomes challenging to supervise and provide 

feedback to the company, thereby diminishing public participation. Furthermore, information 

asymmetry also impacts the effectiveness of environmental advocacy. The purpose of environmental 

advocacy is to raise public awareness and understanding of environmental issues. However, if 

environmental information is incomplete, inaccurate, and non-transparent, it becomes difficult to 

conduct effective environmental advocacy. For example, if a region’s environmental quality report is 

not truthful, it hampers the use of environmental advocacy to enhance public awareness and 

understanding of environmental issues. To address the issue of information asymmetry, a series of 

measures is required. Firstly, governments need to establish relevant laws and policies to enhance the 

transparency and openness of environmental information. Governments can enforce companies to 

disclose environmental information and rigorously regulate them, thereby safeguarding the public’s 

right to know and participate. Secondly, the capacity and technical expertise of environmental 



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regulatory agencies need to be strengthened. These agencies should possess advanced monitoring 

technologies and analytical capabilities to access and analyze environmental information accurately 

and promptly, ensuring the effectiveness of environmental monitoring and governance. Additionally, it 

is essential to enhance environmental education and popularize scientific knowledge among the public. 

The public needs to comprehend the basic knowledge of environmental issues and relevant policies and 

regulations, thereby improving their awareness and understanding of environmental information and 

enhancing their participation in environmental protection and governance (Yin & Zheng, 2021). Lastly, 

the supervision role of social organizations and media needs to be strengthened. They can promote the 

disclosure of environmental information by companies and governments through public reporting and 

public oversight. This drives the realization of information transparency and openness while facilitating 

public participation in environmental protection and governance processes. 

3.3 Network Security 

Cybersecurity is a highly important issue in the field of digital media. The application of digital media 

in the environmental sector requires data transmission and communication through the internet and 

other digital technologies, which calls for the assurance of network security. Network security concerns 

include data breaches, cyber attacks, and malicious software, all of which may result in the tampering, 

destruction, or leakage of environmental data, thereby impacting the effectiveness of environmental 

management and public participation. Therefore, strengthening network security safeguards and 

technological protection is essential for the application of digital media in the environmental field. 

Firstly, there is a need to enhance the formulation and implementation of network security laws and 

regulations. Network security laws and regulations can standardize the safeguarding of network 

security, penalties for cyber attacks, and other related aspects, consequently elevating the level of 

network security protection. Governments can oversee and ensure network security through legislation, 

administrative orders, and other means. Secondly, the research and application of network security 

technologies need to be strengthened. Network security technologies include encryption algorithms, 

security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, among others, which are effective in 

safeguarding network security. Governments and businesses should intensify research and application 

of network security technologies, aiming to enhance the level of network security protection. 

Furthermore, network security management and monitoring need to be reinforced. Enterprises and 

governments should establish comprehensive network security management systems to exercise 

complete monitoring and management of network security. Additionally, the monitoring and prevention 

of cyber attacks and malicious software need to be intensified, warranting the prompt detection and 

response to network security threats. Moreover, employee awareness and training on network security 

need to be enhanced. Employees play a crucial role in network security, and they should possess 

fundamental knowledge and skills to recognize and address network security threats. Enterprises and 



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governments can improve employee awareness and skill levels through network security training and 

education, thereby increasing the level of network security protection. Lastly, international cooperation 

and information sharing need to be strengthened. Network security is a global issue that requires 

concerted efforts from the international community to tackle. Governments and businesses should 

enhance cooperation with other countries and regions to collectively address network security threats. 

Additionally, there is a need to enhance the sharing of network security information, ensuring the 

timely acquisition and dissemination of network security information and technologies, ultimately 

enhancing the level of network security protection (Huimin, 2022). 

3.4 Data Management and Privacy Protection 

The application of digital media in the environmental field requires extensive data management and 

processing, which includes the collection, transmission, storage, processing, and analysis of 

environmental data. Additionally, it is necessary to protect the privacy rights of the public and prevent 

the misuse or leakage of environmental data. Therefore, the application of digital media in the 

environmental field needs to strengthen data management and privacy protection measures to ensure 

the legality and confidentiality of environmental data. Firstly, it is necessary to establish a 

comprehensive data management system. The data management system should include specifications 

and processes for data collection, storage, processing, and analysis, ensuring the legality, accuracy, and 

integrity of environmental data. Additionally, the data management system should clearly define the 

scope and permissions of data usage, preventing data misuse or leakage. Secondly, data security 

safeguards need to be enhanced. Data security measures include data encryption, access control, 

backups, and more, effectively protecting the security and reliability of environmental data. 

Governments and businesses need to strengthen the research and application of data security safeguards, 

improving the level of data security protection. Additionally, it is important to enhance the protection of 

data privacy. In the application of digital media, the privacy rights of the public must be respected and 

protected. Governments and businesses should formulate relevant privacy protection policies, clearly 

defining the scope and permissions of data usage to safeguard the privacy rights of the public. 

Moreover, it is necessary to enhance the monitoring and handling of data privacy, promptly identifying 

and addressing issues such as data privacy breaches. Furthermore, an open and transparent data sharing 

mechanism needs to be established. Data sharing can facilitate a more comprehensive and accurate 

acquisition and analysis of environmental data, but it also requires safeguards for public privacy rights 

and data security. Governments and businesses need to establish an open and transparent data sharing 

mechanism, clearly defining the scope and permissions of data sharing to ensure public privacy rights 

and data security. Lastly, it is crucial to strengthen public awareness of data security and privacy. The 

public should understand their data rights and privacy, protecting personal data security and privacy. 

Additionally, there is a need for public awareness regarding data management and privacy protection 



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measures in the application of digital media in the environmental field, promoting public trust and 

support for digital media. 

 

4. Pathways for Digital Media in the Environmental Field 

4.1 Environmental Data Acquisition and Processing 

The application of digital media in the environmental field involves the collection, processing, and 

analysis of environmental data. Environmental data primarily includes information about air quality, 

water quality, soil conditions, noise levels, and other related aspects. Digital media can collect 

environmental data through sensors, remote sensing technologies, satellite data, and other means. 

Subsequently, through data processing and analysis, it can derive insights about the environmental 

conditions and trends. In the future, the application of digital media in the environmental field will 

emphasize finer and more diverse environmental data. Utilizing technologies such as big data and 

artificial intelligence, it will enable in-depth exploration and analysis of environmental data, providing 

more precise data support for environmental management and decision-making. Digital media can 

achieve real-time, continuous, and high-resolution data collection by employing sensors, remote 

sensing technologies, and similar techniques. This enhances the spatiotemporal resolution and accuracy 

of environmental monitoring. For instance, real-time air quality data can be monitored at different 

locations through air quality monitoring stations, while remote sensing techniques can provide data on 

vegetation coverage and water bodies within a region. These data can assist environmental 

management departments in responding promptly to environmental issues and making informed 

decisions. Furthermore, through data processing and analysis, digital media can derive insights about 

environmental conditions and trends. For example, data analysis can reveal the changing trends in air 

quality in a specific area and establish correlations with factors such as population density and 

industrial activities. By employing algorithms such as data mining and machine learning, 

environmental data can be deeply analyzed and predicted, providing more accurate data support for 

environmental management and decision-making. Looking ahead, the application of digital media in 

the environmental field will focus more on the refinement and diversification of environmental data. 

For instance, artificial intelligence technologies can enable intelligent recognition and classification of 

environmental data, thereby facilitating automated processing and analysis. Digital media can also 

integrate different types of environmental data to form a more comprehensive and three-dimensional 

picture, thereby providing comprehensive data support for environmental management and 

decision-making. 

4.2 Environmental Monitoring and Early Warning 

The application of digital media in the environmental field can help achieve environmental monitoring 

and early warning. Digital media can utilize sensors and remote sensing technology to monitor and 



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collect data on the environment in real time. Then, through data analysis and technologies such as 

artificial intelligence, it can achieve environmental early warning and prediction. In the future, the 

application of digital media in the environmental field will focus more on intelligent and automated 

environmental monitoring and early warning, realizing intelligent identification, analysis, and 

prediction of the environment through digital technology, and improving the accuracy of environmental 

monitoring and early warning. Digital media can utilize means such as sensors and remote sensing 

technology to monitor and collect data on the environment in real time, achieving real-time and 

continuous data, and improving the spatial-temporal resolution and accuracy of environmental 

monitoring. For example, air quality monitoring stations can monitor air quality data at different 

locations in real time, and remote sensing technology can provide data on vegetation coverage and 

water coverage within an area. These data can help environmental management departments respond 

promptly and make decisions regarding environmental issues. Digital media can achieve environmental 

early warning and prediction through data analysis and technologies such as artificial intelligence. For 

example, trends in air quality changes in a certain area can be determined through data analysis, as well 

as their correlation with factors such as population density and industrial activities. By employing 

algorithms such as data mining and machine learning, deep analysis and prediction of environmental 

data can be conducted, enabling environmental early warning and prediction. 

4.3 Environmental Awareness and Education 

The application of digital media in the environmental field can help achieve environmental promotion 

and education. Digital media can utilize multimedia technology and online platforms to disseminate 

and educate on environmental knowledge and skills. Through various forms such as text, images, audio, 

and video, digital media can convey environmental knowledge to a wider audience, thereby increasing 

public awareness and capacity for environmental action. In the future, the application of digital media 

in the environmental field will focus more on diversifying and interactive environmental promotion and 

education. By employing innovative digital media tools and interactive environmental education 

models, public engagement and the effectiveness of environmental protection can be enhanced. 

4.4 Environmental Governance and Decision-making 

The application of digital media in the environmental field can help achieve environmental governance 

and decision-making. Digital media can utilize technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence 

to conduct in-depth analysis and mining of environmental data, providing more accurate data support 

for environmental governance and decision-making. Digital media can also employ virtual reality 

technology and simulation techniques to replicate environmental changes and governance effects, 

providing visual and intuitive support for environmental governance and decision-making. In the future, 

the application of digital media in the environmental field will focus more on the deep integration of 

digital technology and environmental governance, achieving intelligent and sustainable environmental 



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governance and decision-making through digital technology. 

4.5 Environmental Public Participation 

The use of digital media in the environmental field can help to realize environmental public 

participation. Digital media can utilize platforms such as the Internet and social media to realize an 

interactive mode of public participation in environmental actions and environmental governance. 

Digital media can allow the public to participate in the process of environmental governance and 

decision-making through online questionnaires, online voting, online opinion collection, etc. to 

improve public participation and satisfaction. The future application of digital media in the field of 

environment will pay more attention to the deep integration of digital technology and public 

participation, and realize the intelligence and sustainability of public participation through digital 

technology. 

4.6 Challenges of Digital Media in the Environmental Field 

The application of digital media in the environmental field still faces some challenges. In terms of 

environmental data collection and processing, digital media still needs to address issues of data 

accuracy and reliability. In terms of environmental monitoring and early warning, there is still a need to 

solve the challenges of intelligence and automation in monitoring methods and early warning models. 

In terms of environmental promotion and education, there is still a need to address issues of content 

innovation and dissemination effectiveness. In terms of environmental governance and 

decision-making, there is still a need to address the deep integration of digital technology and 

environmental governance. In terms of public participation in the environment, there is still a need to 

address the deep integration of digital technology and public engagement. 

 

5. Conclusion 

In the context of the Internet + environment, the integration and development of digital media in the 

field of environment hold significant importance. The application of digital media enables us to achieve 

intelligent environmental monitoring and data processing, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of 

environmental governance and decision-making. Additionally, digital media can help promote 

environmental knowledge and increase public awareness and engagement in environmental 

conservation efforts. However, the application of digital media in the environmental field still faces 

several challenges, including data accuracy and reliability, the intelligence and automation of 

monitoring methods and early warning models, content innovation and dissemination effectiveness, the 

deep integration of digital technology and environmental governance, and the deep integration of 

digital technology and public participation. To address these challenges, we need to continue promoting 

the cross-integration of digital technology and the environmental field, as well as strengthen research, 

development, and innovation in their application. Collaboration among government, enterprises, and 



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society is essential to drive the application and development of digital media in the environmental 

domain. We can establish more robust data collection and processing systems to enhance data accuracy 

and reliability. By incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, we 

can achieve intelligent monitoring and early warning, continuously improving models and algorithms 

for greater accuracy and reliability. To enhance environmental promotion and education, we should 

encourage innovative content and dissemination approaches, leveraging the strengths of digital media 

to maximize impact and appeal. In addition, we should intensify the integration of digital technology 

and environmental governance, utilizing tools such as virtual reality and simulation techniques to 

provide visual and intuitive support for the formulation of environmental governance strategies and 

decisions. Furthermore, a greater emphasis should be placed on public engagement, utilizing digital 

technology to enhance public participation and constructing digital platforms for environmental 

governance and decision-making to foster proactive involvement in environmental protection. In 

conclusion, the integration and development of digital media in the environmental field hold immense 

potential in the era of Internet+. Through continuous exploration and innovation, we can overcome 

challenges and maximize the potential of digital media in environmental protection, contributing to the 

building of a sustainable and beautiful planet. 

 

References 

Huimin, L. (2022). The Impact of Sustainable Development on the Public Health System of the Elderly 

in the Internet of Things Environment. Sustainability, 14(24). 

J. J. H., R. T A W. (2021). Digital Media Team editorial. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 

23(5). 

Xueting, W., Qingmeng, T., Feng, Q. et al. (2023). Predicting residents’ adoption of living environment 

improvement practices toward sustainable development: The role of internet use. Journal of 

Environmental Planning and Management, 66(3). 

Yin, R., & Zheng, C. (2021). Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Digital Media Art Design 

and Creative Design[C]//Wuhan Zhicheng Times Cultural Development Co., Ltd..Proceedings of 

2nd International Conference on Education Technology, Economic Management and Social 

Sciences (ETEMSS 2021). BCP, 2-5. DOI:10.26914/c.cnkihy.2021.009656 

Yusong, L., Wenrong, Q., & Linyi, Z. (2023). Effect of Internet Use to Obtain News on Rural 

Residents’ Satisfaction with the Social Environment: Evidence from China. International Journal 

of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3). 


	1. Introduction
	2. Current Status of Digital Media Applications in the Environmental Field
	3. Challenges of Digital Media in the Environmental Field
	4. Pathways for Digital Media in the Environmental Field

