Final answer:
The end users and the target audience of a digital media piece may overlap but are not necessarily the exact same group of people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the end user and the target audience of a digital media piece is that while some of the end users may be members of the target audience, not all of them are. The target audience represents the specific group of people that the digital media piece is intended to reach, whereas the end users are the individuals who actually interact with and use the piece. It is possible for the target audience to include people who may become end users if they participate in testing and are rewarded for their involvement.
For example, let's consider a mobile gaming app targeted at teenagers. The target audience would be teenagers, as the app is designed to appeal to their interests and preferences. However, not all teenagers who download the app and play it will be considered the target audience. Some teenagers may download it out of curiosity or because their friends are playing it, even if they don't necessarily align with the target audience's characteristics. On the other hand, the end users would consist of those teenagers who actively engage with and use the app regularly.
In summary, the end users and the target audience of a digital media piece may overlap but are not necessarily the exact same group of people.
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