New Media: Positive or Negative

Wikipedia refers to new media as “a possibility of on-demand access to content anytime, anywhere, on any digital device, as well as interactive user feedback, creative participation and community formation around the media content.” I mostly use Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as good old fashion texting as part of my new media, however, I occasionally blog and use podcasts.

New media allows me to connect with people for information and services locally, nationally, and worldwide. I can collaborate with other people on a number of different topics, whether it be work related, or for entertainment purposes. I am also able to create new content and channels of communication that help me deliver information and services accordingly.

So far, my new media experiences have been predominantly positive. I have had the ability to reach people from all different backgrounds, educations, and beliefs. While not everyone agrees with the information I may put out, or the opinions I may have, new media allows me to express and share information I may have, as well as learn from other information that is given to me.

New media as a whole can have both positive and negative effects on society. “Social networks has provided us the opportunity to connect with people and build better relationships with friends with whom we are unable to meet personally”  (Ali, 2012). With new media we are able to communicate our thoughts and perceptions over diverse issues with a large number of viewers. However, there are some studies that have concluded that new media can make a person isolated and that in some cases can lead to addiction. “Because of social networks the interaction with other people has become effortless and people have isolated their lives behind their online identities” (Ali, 2012). Likewise, productivity has gone down because people are consumed with their alter egos or just accessing and producing information for the world to see.

New media isn’t going anywhere so it is important for people to understand how to properly use it effectively without being consumed by the overabundance of information. It is challenging to know when to switch off your communication and have a face to face conversation with someone, however, most individuals can coexist easily utilizing new media proactively and at a level that is appropriate.

Ali, S. (2012, August 8). Social Media- A good think or a bad thing? Retrieved on June 18, 2013 from http://socialmediatoday.com/syed-noman-ali/608781/social-media-good-thing-or-bad-thing.

Wikipedia. (2013). New Media. Retrieved on June 18, 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_media.