In class today we discussed the diffusion of innovation theory and ways that media are studied and discussed (risk or opportunity), but I am still ringing my hands about the identity crisis of media - and how new/not new these conversations are in comparison with older media innovations. Through innovation immediacy is increased - but how do we start to think about these "tools" in more socially conscious and viable ways? The first step, I believe, is in acknowledging the social and economic crafting that is behind their ultimate production and dissemination. Requiring technology to have a history in relation to other media, but beyond that media and into more complex ground. Who designs these technologies and for what purpose? Who is consciously and unconsciously left out of the design process? What are the specific and relevant elements that require deeper study?
Technology has always acted as a connector and divider - it is the speed at which those things happen that merely quickens the process. For example, the television was new at one point. First adopted by wealthy and innovative households with only three channels - these channels carried messages and created shared experiences for people within 100 miles. Then, the speed and frequency were able to carry more, and the price of the television decreased - and more people were included in these experiences. The evening news was a media event in and of itself. Pilots knew the news had ended, as they flew over head and watched house lights go out simultaneously. Now, news is at our fingertips and our experiences are based on what we choose to expose ourselves to - not necessarily what is brought to us.
Are we taking part in less shared experiences, or are there more opportunities for shared experiences that just take place at different times? What is considered a shared experience anymore? Is it that we do the same things or we do things together? Who gets to participate in these experiences, and with increasing advances - who doesn't?
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The New PostSecret Book
10 years ago
Shared experiences used to be the family sitting together on the couch watching the news. But now it seems shared experiences are now also about the connection between someone and others on the internet with things like blogs. I think connecting with someone by discussing a topic like in blog for example, is considered a shared experience.It's all about the connection between individuals by a shared idea or item.
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