In class we've talking about media outlets and their influence on how engaged we are with the culture and politics of our nation, and I couldn't help but automatically think back to this summer when I lost my iPhone. Never in my life have I been so lost without something. Having never really realized it before, my life revolved around my phone. Trust me, I was the first to question, 'what has my life come to'? But in reality, I'm not the only person to feel "naked" without their phone. Truth is, with the continuous introduction of smartphones and tablets, we are not only able to access and engage with social media networks, news, etc., but we are also encouraged to do so; it has become part of our culture.
Before my iphone I was never one to be that interested in politics or what was going on in the world, but with my iPhone, I could download newspaper, magazine, and tevlevision apps and suddenly I was more involved, without even realizing it.
So when I lost my phone, not only could I no longer could I whip it out and google an actors name I couldn't think of or update my Facebook status, but I also lost a sense of what was going on in the news. In a way, I felt separated from the world. I don't really watch TV, but when I do, it usually consists of reality TV or the latest episode of Glee, so losing my phone meant I was less engaged and aware of the culture and politics of our nation. Sure, media outlets encourage us to become more involved, but what happens when you no longer have access? It's amazing to look at how revolved around media and technology we have become; it's no surprise why magazine and newspaper subscriptions have been decreasing. Are the profit-focused corporations to blame? Or are we for supporting it?
Dani, I think the end of your post touched on a very important topic that is driving much debate in terms of the evolution (and disappearance) of media platforms. I definitely do think that a certain level of profit-based corporate actions are driving our dependence on media. But, in an attempt to be a media optimist, I do think that part of the reason we have seen the disappearance of traditional media platforms and the convergence of multiple media outlets into devises such as iphones, ipads, smartphones, and laptops is because people are naturally curious and want to have immediate access to information. Rather than having to carry around bags full of books, newspapers, magazines, computers and phones, people can now simply slip their iphone into their pocket and have all the information that they need.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that so many media sources have declined, but I think it is equally attributable to corporate and public interests. In my opinion, many traditional outlets, particularly magazines and newspapers, are now driving further transition to smart devises as it is the only way to continue making profits in order to survive in the hyper competitive media business environment.