Response Week 1

1. I never knew that you could theorize about anything you want to. The textbook and class discussions have opened my eyes to a lot of different things. For example, going over the theories in class was an interesting learning experience. I had no idea there were so many different theories that could relate to interactive media and to us as designers and developers. Therefore, the first questions that I asked at the beginning of the week were valid questions. Since I have never had a theory class before, it is opening my eyes to a whole new realm of interactive media. For example, I never knew there were so many ways to measure a theory. From class discussions and activities, I have learned that there are a variety of things to consider when you question or analyze a theory.

2. In response to my second question, “How can we, as US citizens, make sure that the ideas we are receiving from the media are correct and not just theorized ideas the directors came up with?” I think that this question still poses an interesting point. I think there is really no true way to know for sure that someone is not just theorizing about something. However, from the class discussions and textbook, I have realized that there are many ways to analyze a theory (from scope, to validity, to heuristic value, etc.) If there is something in question in the news, I could always do research on the subject matter and analyze the topic based on the criteria we learned in class.

3. In response to the third question I asked, “What can we do to make sure that we communicate effectively through the different mediums as well?” The book doesn’t really touch on this subject too much yet; however, I think my answer is slowly coming to me. I think that being a good communicator is all about knowing your audience and knowing how to relate to your audience. If I know who my audience is and the mediums they choose to work with, I think I can get my points across to them in a way they will understand and respect.

Nicole makes a valid point when she talks about the Political Economy of the Media Theory. She poses the question “Which came first: consumer influence or media influence?” This is an interesting thought to consider. I feel like in today’s culture, people are influenced greatly by the media. They think, feel, and believe what the media tell them to. I’m not going to get on my soap box yet and bring up the concerns that I have for my future children and the way the media will influence them. However, I do feel that the media influence on today’s culture is becoming a huge issue.

Tags: communication, response, theory