Read Ashlee Humphreys' chapter entitled "What is Social Media?" and then use the comments section of this post to respond to the following prompts.
1. Do you think we, as a society, are technologically determinist in how we communicate? Why or why not?
2. What possible conflicts may exist from the relationship between the demotic turn and commercialism (for-profit companies)?
3. Consider structuration in social media platforms. Provide an example of how a particular platform's structuration has either enhanced or constrained your communication with others (more than just the ability to communicate online).
4. Of the three notable aspects of media ecology, which one has impacted you the most and why?
1) I believe in a sense that many of the younger generation people in our time are more reliant with technological communication (computers). Most people who grew up without the new advances in social media still resort to older methods (telephone). Although there might be two difference sides here, I absolutely believe that people are relying on technological social media in our time of day. One of the most important factors that lead people to do this is the convenience of communication and connection. With a few clicks of a button, you can instantly connect with your friends and people of interest that you might not know.
ReplyDelete2) A possible conflict that the relationship between both the commercial and personal media might be intrusion. With the involvement of commercial companies who are mainly focused on making money, doing whatever is necessary to produce that income will take action. This can go as far as invading personal privacy with having access to information on your platform. The consistency of advertisement pop ups that flood your space.
3) Probably the most well known structure that has been implied with social media, which is well known with most people and also stated in the reading, which is the "Like" button. I feel that this is an enhancement, considering the convenience of just a click to show your support. Allowing many to instead like rather then comment, but you are left up to the choice, which isn't really constraining. Without the presence of a "Dislike" button this addition boosts the likability of it's use, which in the end is a success.
4) I feel that the connection between all media has really impacted me the most. This being that there is a major network that allows the user to see not only one thing but a plethora of things. A link of knowledge that spans from all timelines and until now. This has really opened my eyes to so much more that I would have ever imagined which has given me a new perspective of living.
1. I think in today’s society we are very reliant on technology. For example we don’t need to remember people’s phone numbers anymore because as long as you have a phone it’s stored there. We can’t do our homework without using the internet, can’t go new places without the GPS, and can’t eat our cool food unless we take a picture of it because if there’s no photos did it really happen. Our society is consumed by technology, most of us can’t even go a couple hours without our phones because we are afraid we might miss something on social media. We depend on technology to get us through day to day life.
ReplyDelete2. A possible conflict between companies and everyday internet users is the privacy factor. I would say 99% of people don’t ever read the privacy policies that come up before signing up for any account. So a majority of us wouldn’t know if a company was using our personal information for other things. Which most likely wouldn’t settle well with people if they knew companies could look into all of that.
3. The well-known structure that has been applied to social media is the “follow” or “subscribe” button. So many people now are consumed by how many “followers” they have on Instagram or twitter as if that actually means something in real life. Just because you may have a lot of followers on social media doesn’t mean you are popular and well liked outside of that platform. Our society worries too much about numbers and likes. It’s definitely constrained our communication because of the fact that we are consumed with getting more friends on social media than in real life.
4. Out of the three notable aspects of media ecology, the third one has probably impacted me the most. It says we put the word ‘media’ in front of the word ’ecology’ to suggest that we were not simply interested in media, but in the ways in which the interaction between media and human beings gives a culture its character. It’s amazing how social media has connected people in so many different ways from reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones.
1. As a society, in our generation today, if we could all have the newest technology, as opposed to yesterdays technology, that is what we want. There are still people, today, that due to their age or upbringing have a preference for older technology, their "comfort zone". As we choose to get the newest technology, that helps to enhance and create newer technology.
ReplyDelete2. A good conflict I feel comes down to Privacy and Total Control. Both users and commercial companies have total control over whatever content they can post on a site. The issue here is when commercial companies are the ones that actually own these sites. In their privacy agreements (for example, Facebook), which continuously change they can go into your profile and use any part of your information for their profitable gain.
3. Having an application like FaceTime allows you to be able to see someone as you are talking to them. If you don't have an Apple device or this application, it can constrain you, as you won't be able to use the app.
4. I feel the second one has impacted me most; the consideration of how newly invented media cast light onto older forms of media. I remember growing up and my Dad would read the newspaper. Now, if I wanted to find one of those articles I would just go right to google and do a search for that article.
1. Depending on the technology you grew up with can change the way you communicate, those of an older generation would be more likely to still make phone calls rather than to send a text or a message on social media, where as those of a younger generation would be more likely to send texts and messages on social media because that is what they are familiar with. Of course as new ways of communicating are introduced to us, we will start to learn and use these new ways of communicating, especially because they may be a more effective way to communicate.
ReplyDelete2. A big conflict could be privacy, when a user puts all this information out on the web, companies who just want to make money, see the opportunity to steal the information of a user so that they can find ways to make more money. Users often don’t realize that these companies are taking this information to use themselves.
3. These social media platforms can allow us to share things with a large audience at once, which can enhance our communication because we don’t have to talk to multiple people to tell them the same thing instead you just put up a status update and anyone can see your update. This can also constrain communication because social media platforms can take away the personal feel of a face to face conversation.
4. I think the second aspect of media ecology has impacted me most, with the fact that many older forms of media are now available in one places making it easier to access many different parts of media. I also find it interesting how the article says that older media is now appreciated for its aesthetic, even though there are other way to access this media.
1.I believe that we as a society do rely on technology more often than not to communicate. For example Anne in the beginning of the reading was talking on the phone to her Aunt and 15 years later she strictly uses technology to communicate with her Aunt. Which is completely accurate for most people, I know children are receiving phones at a young age so parents are able to communicate and track them. I also see that invitations to parties or events are mostly done in groups on Facebook where you are able to click if you can attend, might attend, or cannot attend. I also will make hangout with someone through Snap Chat, I’d say a large majority of our society relies on technology to communicate.
ReplyDelete2.I don’t believe there are many conflicts between the demotic turn and commercialism. My cousin began making video tutorials for makeup and fashion and as her audience grew she began attracting people who wanted her to use and show their product in her videos or people who wanted her to give shout outs to products or companies and also wanted commercials to be added to her videos and such. I think it’s crazy how nowadays people can become famous through social media.
3.I think the like button is an enhancement to communication, for example there have been events where they make a status and say “like this if you are attending blah blah blah” and this allows the people hosting the event to get an estimate of how many people are attending. However I believe that is under different conditions and would be most beneficial for my generation. I also believe it's better for a wider audience but it strains you more when you are communicating one on one.
4. I believe the second notable aspect of media ecology impacted me most. When reading that newly invented media casts light into older forms of media you begin to think. For example the printing press did not replace hand writing but altered the way it was used and iPad's and Kindles are used to replace printed books and will also change our perception of a “book”.
1. As a society, I believe we are technologically determinist in how we communicate because we let new social media be part of our daily life. Nowadays, people prefer to send quick and short messages than call or see people. Technology is evolving and every time there are new apps that make easier to communicate with others.
ReplyDelete2. Technological progress is due to companies working hard to create something new and it is not free. It is a business and people who want to be part of these new changes need to pay for. So, there is no possible democratic communication without companies owning channels of communication.
3. Many phone companies have the power to limit the access to Internet, giving people only certain amount of gigabytes, but people using existing structure such as WIFI can access free to Internet. This allows people enhance communication with others.
4. The aspect of media ecology that impacted me is that the medium can shape the message because technology became essential in our lives, we do everything through it. If we need something, we take the easiest way. We don’t let our brain work. i.e. If we need to do a mathematical equation, we go directly to the calculator and don’t try to do ourselves.
1. I believe society in general is heavily influenced by bigger institutions, such as technology, pop culture, advertising, government, economy etc. Not only is technology forever evolving which pushes people to move forward and conform to new ways of communicating but also the use of social media and technology is advertised through mass media/pop culture and its use is also promoted through our own government. We rely on social media and technology to communicate not only because of its convenience but in some ways because that's what we as a society is being told to do. We've been taught to rely on technology to remain connected to our immediate circle and to stay involved in worldly events. The evolution of technology is rapid, and even the older generation has become more open to it. Today, everyone owns a cellphone and its almost impossible to accomplish fast pace, accurate results with out web access.
ReplyDelete2. I believe eventually there could be a huge issue between the demotic turn and commercialism. Even though Americans are known for "freedom of speech" the internet is still fairly new. Therefore, if unknown public sources start to capitalize on products or anything that could be potentially money making for already established companies and this effects their income, then I have no doubt in my mind that things will change. America loves big corporations definitely more than the common middle class citizen.
3. A structuration in almost every social media plateform that I'm most found of is the option to "block" someone. Today privacy doesn't exist. Before social media if you didn't like someone or something you had the option to never see that person or thing again. You could simply forget about it and move on. Now, soley because of social media negativity has so many options to find ways to come in contact with you but having the block option on your cellphone, through email and social media platforms it makes it easier to avoid anything that could be potentially harmful or agitating. It gives you the opportunity to avoid annoyances or a bad situation which I find to be valuable and also provides a level of security and privacy.
4. All the notable aspects have touched me in some way but I guess I relate most towards the first aspect. I'm a a film student and an extremely visual person. So the way something is communicated, especially if its communicated visually is probably going to attract me and keep my attention. That's why I like Instagram and snapchat the most. Both of these platforms consist of, and focus primarily on quick videos and images.
1. I believe, that yes, we are reliant (almost overly so) on technology to communicate. We use cell phones and social media to keep in contact with others around us, while television and the internet is the quickest way to keep us informed on what’s going on around us. It is necessary at this point.
ReplyDelete2. If the “demotic turn” increases the visibility of the average person within the social media sphere by allowing them the space to post what they want, for-profit companies could use this information directly to market or sell products by collecting information. The average person can market themselves for companies unintentionally completely for free.
3. A good example would be Twitter and the character limit. This has constrained my use of this platform in regards to direct, interpersonal communication with others versus something like Facebook. Twitter’s character limit works as a short-burst, “get info out there fast” type of way for mass communication or advertisement but in my opinion, limits itself to just that. If someone doesn’t have a need for either mass communication or advertisement at the moment, it’s not the most viable platform.
4. The one aspect of media ecology that has impacted me the most would probably be “how newly invented media cast light onto older forms of media. As someone whose life has been shaped by television and the internet, I find it amazing that I have so much access to something as simple as an online encyclopedia to receive more information (Wikipedia) or a platform to share ideas, thoughts, and original content (YouTube). On top of that, I can “relive” in a sense, things or moments that I wasn’t immediately around for through these platforms, social media, etc.
1) With how technologically advanced American society has recently become, majority of the inhabitants’ means of communication are definitely technologically determined. Of course this is not the case all throughout the world, because many societies do not have access to such technologies in the way that we do. But the society in which we are located has access to mini computers that fit in our pockets, touch screen watches and much more, all at fair prices. And most of us, specifically younger generations, are inclined to be up to date on these technologies in order to keep up with those around us, ultimately determining the ways in which we communicate.
ReplyDelete2) The most controversial conflict caused by this new-age of technology vs. for-profit companies is, “is our information really safe and private?” Our basic information on the platforms that we use is valuable to companies so they know who to target their ads towards. We believe our Facebook is private, but did you really read the terms and conditions? Unfortunately, these platforms are most likely making money from your activity on the site, without your knowing or approval.
3) Within several social media platform structures, a certain feature which I dislike is known as the “Share” button. This button definitely constrains my communication with close friends, because instead of seeing just my acquaintance’s original content, my home page is flooded with pictures, videos and memes originally posted by larger accounts. While I do admit to using the button myself on Facebook for sharing various interests of mine, the idea of sharing is misused by many, in my opinion. I’d much rather see what you are up to than what you like to watch for entertainment while using the bathroom. It ruined Vine for me, and it is slowly making Facebook less enjoyable, because majority of what I see now is videos of animals, or whatever is trending that I usually don’t really care about.
4) I can relate the most to the second aspect of media ecology; how newly invented media cast light onto older forms of media. Media and technology have evolved so quickly since my generation was born; in elementary school I had a corded phone, middle school I got my own cell phone, able to make calls pretty much anywhere. Less than five years later, I suddenly have a mobile phone that has as many capabilities as my computer, and just as fast. Our pocket computers now integrate all of these past medias into one palm-sized device. This casts light on old media because all of the older forms are now combined into one multi-media device. This impacts me greatly because I get the benefit of all these past inventions such as phone, camera, computer, books all fitting in my pocket for ultimate functionality, practicality and overall usefulness.
1. I think that our society is entirely shaped by and reliant on technology, especially for communication. It’s use may vary depending on age or experience, but for the most part new technologies have an impact on everyone. Even though technology is forever changing and evolving, younger generations especially have no problems adapting to it. Older generations can be eager to learn new technologies but some are more comfortable using traditional means of communication. Technology and social media can actually be an important part to bringing different generations together. It’s so easy and normal now for parents or grandparents to video chat with their children or grandchildren whether they live 10 hours or 10 minutes away. As a society, we are all waiting to see how the next device or platform will change how we communicate.
ReplyDelete2. Of course a major conflict would be the invasion of privacy that companies commit when retrieving and capitalizing on personal information from internet users. Most people are ignorant to this fact because it is usually revealed in the privacy agreements that everyone skips. However not only can they use your information to market towards you specifically, but many companies also steal the content, pictures, and videos you post and use it for their own marketing/advertising campaigns without giving you credit.
3. The “like” button is an example of structuration that is used on almost all social
media sites. It can be seen as a constraint because you aren’t communicating a full response or reaction to someone’s post, but I think that sometimes a written response is not necessary and that “likes” have their purpose for still showing support. However, some people can become obsessed with the amount of “likes” they get and this can become their be all end all.
4. I think the second aspect of media ecology has had the greatest impact on me. It’s interesting to consider how newly invented media casts light on older forms of media. We rely so heavily on the internet now for fast and factual information rather than looking through physical books and articles. Although we still use books and newspapers, I think that our society perceives them much differently now.
1. I absolutely think that we as a society are technology determinist. Almost everything we do has an online component, from anything to work, to school, to shopping. Now a days younger generations are growing up with far more advanced technology and spending way more time on it at a younger age. Ten year olds are now on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram learning a different set of social norms that previous generations have. They now have unfiltered access to their favorite celebrities and friends and are exposed to more adult things at a seemingly younger age. They are completely dependent on technology like the Internet and cellphone to comment with others. But the younger generations are not the only one. Most people in our society have become consumed with social media and modern technologies that help us become more detached emotionally but somewhat more connected intellectually or informatively. Everything is now accessible at the touch of a button. Now people can FaceTime or Skype instead of meeting face to face. Now people can write a quick text or email instead of going go lunch with an old friend to check up. We are now dependent on less of a level of social interaction and emotional connections.
ReplyDelete2. As big companies and capitalism get more involved online and grows their online presence many problems are sure to arise with them and the demotic turn, otherwise know as the common people who are ordinary people with increasing visibility in media. The big companies are the ones with the money tools to exploit the common people of the Internet. They use social media to sell to advertisers, they use their pictures, likes, private messages, and essentially their lives for profit. That brings up the problem of how the demotic turn essentially become free workers as well as the fact of how much can you take from a person, especially without their knowledge.
3. Facebook's both constricts and enhances communication with others. For example, you tend to only see a certain group of your friends most of the time which means you're missing out on a lot of other posts and can inhibit connecting with those people. But the people you do see tend to be the people you tend to communicate with the most.
4. I've been most impacted by new media bringing to light old media. Now a days, you can find everything imaginable on the Internet from music and podcasts, to talk shows and how to videos, and breaking news to current events. New media has made everything quicker and simpler, condensing all forms of old media and making people less self aware and slightly disconnected between real life and online life.
1. yes because technology helps us communicate with the mass number of people anywhere at anytime. right now on today's day in age technology is who we are as a society everyone uses cellphones and email and all that stuff so technology shapes who we are as a society because we would not function without it.
ReplyDelete2. with the involvement in commercial companies they will add subtract use or manipulate what they want to benefit them there originations.
3. so what we see as a group or do as a group is now also affected by us as indivuals. what is the normal actions and reactions of groups affect us as indivuals on social medias in society.
4. media ecology I am a firm believer in certain forms of communication shapes how people's activates affect each other wheatear you are interacting with one another in an interpersonal way or an historical way this is important because communicating with people is so important to have social interaction.