Final answer:
Prerecorded audio or video files, distributed online through RSS technology, are called podcasts. They have revolutionized the way people consume media, offering an accessible platform for entertainment, education, and activism, and can be accessed on various services like Spotify and Apple Music.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prerecorded audio or video files, distributed online through RSS technology, are called podcasts. These digital media files are a form of audio broadcasting that has gained widespread popularity. With over 106.7 million podcast listeners in the U.S., they serve as a form of entertainment, as well as a platform for education, commentary, and storytelling.
Podcasts are typically available through services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, and listeners can subscribe to receive new episodes automatically. A variety of topics are explored through podcasts, and they've been influential enough to impact areas such as the criminal justice system. They are also a vehicle for all sorts of creators, including celebrities, to share content with their audiences.
The technology behind podcasts has enabled a significant cultural shift, making speech more accessible, and expanding the reach of social, political, and economic activism.