Final answer:
Different devices are referred to by the "screen" they represent in media consumption. Computers are known as the second screen, TVs as the first screen, and smartphones/tablets like iPads as the third screen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The way consumers view media content has been categorized into different "screens." The computer is traditionally referred to as the second screen in this context. It is the medium we use after the original and most dominant form of media consumption, the television, which is known as the first screen. Meanwhile, smartphones and tablets, such as iPads, are referred to as the third screen, as they are the more personal and portable devices that have become increasingly prevalent for media consumption.
Flat-panel displays are common across these screens, from laptops to flat screen televisions. As technology progressed, the availability and use of such displays have dramatically increased, becoming cheaper and more widespread. However, the resolutions vary; for instance, media viewed on a computer screen can be of a lower resolution and still provide an acceptable visual experience compared to a print, due to different technology usage and image display requirements.
Personal computing has significantly evolved wherein now every individual often has their own set of devices. This high level of personalization has changed the media landscape and our interaction with various forms of media, enriching the ecosystem of content consumption.