This reading by Thorbun and Jenkins did a good job of moving beyond the apocalyptic conceptualization of new media. The authors look at how this communications transition fits into patterns of change we have seen in the past.
Everyone seems to have an opinion about the effect of new media on society, but often these utopian/distopian opinions fail to look at this transition as a continuation of a never-ending process of change and progress in society.
Often I feel like there is a disconnect between older and younger generations regarding new media. Right now is a time of tension between people advocating for the benefits of new media by only focusing on the good and people holding on to a nostalgia for the ‘good old days’ by focusing on the bad.
The article lifts the discussion to a more though-provoking level by looking at this communications technology transition in the context of the evolution of communications technologies over the centuries.
Soon enough, we will see a hybrid medium that pulls the best from both schools of thought. Now is also a good time to be involved in new media production because standards haven’t been set in stone and there is more room for creativity.
One Response to Transition isn’t new, it’s constant.