Neophiliacs

Question 1

What do Curran and Seaton argue?

Answer 1

Attitudes towards the new media are divided into Neophiliacs (positive) and Cultural Pessimists (negative).

Question 2

Which sociologists are likely to be Neophiliacs?

Answer 2

Postmodernists, Functionalists, Pluralists, Interactionists.

Question 3

Neophiliacs: increased consumer choice

Answer 3

Number of channels, websites, etc have increased, and consumers can access reviews e.g Rotten tomatoes, Yelp, etc. Better informed about what they consume.

Boyle = content is now more demand led due to this, consumer revolution.

Question 4

Neophiliacs: political engagement

Answer 4

McNair = “neither owners or editors call the shots on content anymore”

Social movements and protest groups use new media to spread awareness, e.g Arab Spring, #MeToo, etc, therefore putting more power in the hands of the people.
Video footage, like George Floyd, can be uploaded to lead to public outrage.

Question 5

Neophiliacs: increased cultural diversity and understanding

Answer 5

McLuhan = we have become a global village due to the collapse of time and space barriers e.g social media, so boundaries between cultures are reduced. This leads to greater understanding/tolerance between cultures. Can reduce hate crimes etc

Question 6

Neophiliacs: revitalisation of democracy

Answer 6

McNair = internet means everyone can access a range of information, gives power to the people (as knowledge is power). People can now publish their thoughts, citizen journalism, Govt isn’t the only institution with power to spread information.

Question 7

Neophiliacs: more access to all kinds of information

Answer 7

Become more empowered due to this e.g info about health, do not have to rely on doctors. This is advantageous for everyday life.

Question 8

Neophiliacs: postmodernists

Answer 8

The new media helps to shape new identities and produce hybrid lifestyles e.g pick n’ mix. These identities can be constructed in cyber space/virtual worlds, easier to express yourself e.g VR, second life.

Question 9

Evaluation of the Neophiliac view:

Answer 9

Cornford and Robbins = not as new as it appears, evolutionary, not revolutionary. e.g interactivity in older media forms.

Boyle = new media has added onto old media, not replaced it. Many features from old media still available. Main change is speed/communication access.

Digital Underclass = not everyone can access social media so it doesn’t increase choice.