New media

1
New media
2
Lecture content

• What are the new media
• Features of the new media
• Debates
• Optimistic view
• Pessimistic view

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Definition

• New media usually refers to computer mediated
  communication, i.e. the Internet.
• The Internet is a diverse collection of
  technologies, forms and services bundled together
  (notably, the world wide web, email,
  multiplayer-gaming, e-commerce, newsgroups, and
  peer-to-peer file sharing). (Livingstone, 2001,
  p.10)

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Quick history

• By-product of military and scientific research
• Department of Defense Advanced Research Project
  Agency which constructed ARPANET (1969),
  precursor of the Internet
• E-mail introduced in 1975

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Quick history

• CERN international Particle Physics Laboratory
  in Geneva
• Tim Berners-Lee invents hypertext language in
  1989 and
• first client browser software in 1991(leading to
  World Wide Web)
• Mass market created with Windows Microsoft
  Explorer in 1995

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Features

• Inherent interactivity
• Suited to textualized discursive practices
  important for rational debate
• Non-hierarchical communication
• Low cost to users
• Anonymity is possible, helps equality
• Search mechanism increase possibility for
  learning
• Until recently, freedom (of access and
  information) was also listed. Now, becoming
  questionable.

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Why do new media matter?

• In comparison to old media (press, broadcast),
  new media appear as more democratic
• The key question becomes the extent to which the
  new media can change political life
• Context civic disengagement
• Low voter participation
• Cynicism
• Falling public affairs content in the media

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Debates Optimistic view

• Offers an open equal access to information and
  communication
• It can support civic engagement and
  participation
• (e.g. activism and mobilisation,
  anti-globalization demonstration, Seattle 1999)
• Can by-pass the traditional mass media and
  problems associated with them
• (e.g. alternative sites, blogs)

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Debates Optimistic view

• E-democracy
• UK Citizens Online Democracy 1997 consultation on
  the Freedom for Information White paper , a third
  of responses from individual citizens
• Move On campaign in 1999 persuaded the Congress
  not to impeach President Clinton

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Debates Pessimistic view

• Access not as open as hoped digital divide
  between
• developed and developing countries
• http//topics.developmentgateway.org/special/infor
  mationsociety/template21.do
• Nationally, geographic and socio-status
• http//www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medl
  itpub/medlitpubrss/medialit_audit/medialit_audit.p
  df

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Debates Pessimistic view

• Increased fragmentation
• Conclusion increased Internet penetration
  exacerbated inequalities