NEW MEDIA & CONVERGENCE
OBJECTIVE//
To explore the idea of convergence and the implications of the changes and development or mass produced new media technologies.
WHAT IS NEW MEDIA?
The term 'new media' is a generic title given to a broad and evolving range of digitised and electronic technology that allows for mass communication, ease of information sharing and enables virtual environments to be established regardless of one's physical location.
In contrast, old media includes static media such as print (newspapers and magazines), analogue devices (fixed-line telephones, analogue watches, older car's speedometers), recording devices that require film (SLR cameras, Super-8 camcorders). This list expands as we adapt to new forms of technology and abandon old forms.
Do you still have baby photos? In what form are they printed and kept? How do you take photos now? Where do you store them?
THE WORLD IN YOUR POCKET
A mobile phone is not just a phone anymore. It serves as an excellent example of CONVERGENCE. This means: The combining of traditional media forms with computer-based media to create new media.
To explore the idea of convergence and the implications of the changes and development or mass produced new media technologies.
WHAT IS NEW MEDIA?
The term 'new media' is a generic title given to a broad and evolving range of digitised and electronic technology that allows for mass communication, ease of information sharing and enables virtual environments to be established regardless of one's physical location.
In contrast, old media includes static media such as print (newspapers and magazines), analogue devices (fixed-line telephones, analogue watches, older car's speedometers), recording devices that require film (SLR cameras, Super-8 camcorders). This list expands as we adapt to new forms of technology and abandon old forms.
Do you still have baby photos? In what form are they printed and kept? How do you take photos now? Where do you store them?
THE WORLD IN YOUR POCKET
A mobile phone is not just a phone anymore. It serves as an excellent example of CONVERGENCE. This means: The combining of traditional media forms with computer-based media to create new media.
MASS PRODUCTION & STAYING CONNECTED Technology continues to progress. The devices which were cutting-edge a matter of months ago are being superseded and replaced by the latest models. Phones, televisions, computers, tablets, credit card payment systems; these technologies are mass-produced and mass-distributed. In this digital world where we engage with each other and obtain information without pen or paper, it demands the technology that we use remain up-to-date to avoid becoming 'disconnected' but it also demands an affordability for the Western majority. If no-one could afford the technology then there wouldn't be a market for it. |
HOW QUICKLY DO MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVE? Have a look at the evolution of these technologies and social media platforms. |
THE COST OF TECHNOLOGY
So, what happens when we're done with our 'old' phone or computer or television? What impact does this have on our environment and society? How do we manage to get such amazing technology for such a small price? Who is really paying the price for our proliferating technology consumption?
Consider the journey of Thomas Thwaites who attempted to make his own toaster - modelled on one that he had purchased for 3 pound 50 (approx. $5.60 AUD).
Consider the journey of Thomas Thwaites who attempted to make his own toaster - modelled on one that he had purchased for 3 pound 50 (approx. $5.60 AUD).
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His story reveals that even a simple home appliance that we purchase for a minimum price, relies on a complex web of technologies, materials and even transport. |
Have a look at these sites that discuss the importance of recycling your mobile phones: WWF Clean Up Australia
Conversely, what are the benefits of being able to connect with information and each other so easily, no matter where we are in the world? Is it a good thing that we are using less paper because of a move towards digital forms of information sharing?
Consider the Kony 2012 campaign. How did they use new media technology to spread the word about Ugandan war criminal Joseph Kony? Can you think of other individuals, groups, organisations who have used social media to spread an idea or promote something successfully?
Conversely, what are the benefits of being able to connect with information and each other so easily, no matter where we are in the world? Is it a good thing that we are using less paper because of a move towards digital forms of information sharing?
Consider the Kony 2012 campaign. How did they use new media technology to spread the word about Ugandan war criminal Joseph Kony? Can you think of other individuals, groups, organisations who have used social media to spread an idea or promote something successfully?
AS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPS - WHAT DOES SOCIETY LOSE?
The following article explores implications of our rising reliance on technology. It reflects on skills that we, as a society, are becoming less and less proficient in.
Read it here.
The article mentions learning languages.
To reinforce this point, choose your favourite song.
What issues does this highlight about technology? What are the limitations of technology?
The following article explores implications of our rising reliance on technology. It reflects on skills that we, as a society, are becoming less and less proficient in.
Read it here.
The article mentions learning languages.
To reinforce this point, choose your favourite song.
- Copy a verse or the chorus.
- Paste it into Google Translate
- Translate it to another language.
- Translate it back to English. Are there any problems?
- Translate it through TWO other languages and then back to English again.
What issues does this highlight about technology? What are the limitations of technology?
AS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPS - WHAT DOES SOCIETY GAIN?
PressPausePlay is a documentary which highlights the impact of the 'digital revolution' not only on users, but on the media industry as a whole. From music, to print, to film, the Internet, new media technologies, and social networking has revolutionized the way that users and professionals create, produce and distribute media products. Watch the film on Vimeo here. Read the following interview with Moby about his opinion of the music industry, and the online and digital nature in which it exists. |
PressPausePlay from House of Radon on Vimeo. |