In the late 20th century new term “new media” started spreading. Before defining what is new media, let’s understand what is it in common sense. Media – is a channel, platform or outlet, which allows people to spread and share different kinds of information. So, we call media everything where we have receivers and senders of a message. In general understanding, television, radio, newspapers, magazines, briefly, anything that has a physical state, can be referred to traditional media. Nowadays, a major part of our communication is taken by new media. These are social networks, emails, personal blogs, video games, podcasts, platforms like YouTube, etc.
With the growing popularity of the Internet, many new ways of distributing information were invented. One century ago people could not even imagine having a television or a radio. If we compare traditional and new media, the second one will have much more advantages. I found four features, which I think are the most actual for me and my generation.
The main advantage of new media is that any person can be either a sender or a receiver. Furthermore, this communication model is traditional for old types of media, while in the 21st century we combine two roles in one. We have a possibility to give feedback right after consuming information. This allows people to build a more personal communication.
Everyone can remember how we were waiting for a tv programme, then setting a channel and only then starting to watch film or show. Today we don’t have that routine. We just turn on our smartphone or tablet and watch what we want anytime we want to. On-demand access is the benefit of new media.
The third advantage is the interactive representation of the information. Pictures, videos and audio files give us extra meaning, it makes reception easier and more interesting. I personally enjoy reading materials that are supplemented by media files.
What distinguishes old media from new, is that we don’t need a huge amount of money to start broadcasting or blogging, we just need an Internet connection. Decades ago people needed to employ a film crew, pay for broadcasting in order to start your own show. Today you can open YouTube and upload video. This is a great chance for teenagers and kids all around the world, who don’t earn money but have a desire to share something. Cheapness is important.
Besides these four features, there are many more, but I included only key advantages for me. It’s fascinating how within 2 decades our communication improved to a new level. I can’t even imagine what is waiting for us in future! (◕‿◕)
erverta 