The New Media

Question 1

What is the new media?

Answer 1

This refers to the screen based / digital technology used for the distribution and consumption of content:

-This includes computers, tablets, smartphones and social apps (like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)

Question 2

What is old/traditional media?

Answer 2

The media that existed before the internet & digital technology:

This includes newspapers, films and the radio

Question 3

What are the uses of the new media?

Answer 3

-To connect with friends & family (through calls, text messages, photos, videos & emails)

-Entertainment/relaxation (TV, films, music)

-Businesses & advertisers can communicate with customers & clients

Question 4

According to Jenkins, what is cultural convergence?

Answer 4

Where people share new information and make connections because of technological convergence (the combination of multiple media into the same device)

Question 5

What are the 4 features that make up the new media?

Answer 5

1.) Digitality: the use of technological products like phones & computers

2.) Interactivity: how consumers of content can interact with each other and create content themselves (Jenkins argues this has led to participatory culture and collective intelligence)

3.) Hypertextuality: Web of connections that link to other bits of info (e.g link trees)

4.) Dispersal: How the media has become more adapted to individuals’ interest & choices in content (e.g FYP on TT / Discovery page on Insta)

Question 6

Why does Jenkins believe interactivity has led to participatory culture and collective intelligence?

Answer 6

-Why it has caused participatory culture: Consumers can produce media content (which producers may incorporate into new media texts)

-Why it has caused collective intelligence: There’s a vast range of info from across the globe at people’s disposal, as intelligent people join together on the media to share their ideas

Question 7

How are there inequalities in consumption of the new media?

Answer 7

There may be a lack of internet usage for certain groups because there are those who can’t afford it or access it. For example:

-Poor families, the elderly on state pensions and the unemployed can’t afford it

-Those from rural areas can’t access it

Question 8

What is the digital underclass and how are they at a disadvantage?

Answer 8

This refers to those who lack media usage because they can’t afford or access it

They’re at a disadvantage because they can’t access:

-Work related stuff/job opportunities (through emails & adverts)
-Banking & financial services