Perhaps the most prominent media change in the last 10 years would have to be social media. Not only has it near taken over the digital world, but it has become a pervasive and almost essential element of our daily lives. So much to say that some people externalise not only their plans, memories and goals on it, but almost their every waking thought per minute! I think it's safe to say that social media has changed the way we interact and perceived with our two worlds/realms (digital/reality).
Most notable for myself, Facebook now appear to be a great source of all my daily news. Whilst I do frequent the SMH website, I more so often find myself clicking on the links that my friends put up to Facebook. Can this be seen as a bad thing? Perhaps, but I think there is a positive influence in the ability to more quickly have stories related to your interests prominent.
Not only news, but events as well. They too have been adapted and fit into a new form of my social website interaction. It's easier than ever to simply set up an event page and invite anyone and everyone you desire. Due to this, i think its safe to say that every event I have been to in the last 4-6 months has been put through Facebook... They know a lot about my interests now.
Tying into this, Facebook has changed the way I meet people too. Whilst twitter allows me quick access to accounts of new interests, it's the traditional custom now to immediately go through the photos and past posts of anyone you just added. (Almost rude not to nowadays!) Staying connected with older friends as well as making new ones all comes down to how well they can portray themselves online.
Of course, self image online can be a very interesting topic. I've always been interested in the various character types you get whilst on Facebook. For example their are the 'cause- posters'- the friend who are always asking you to support this page, or read this article. And then on the other end of the broad spectrum are those quite 'watchers'. The ones who never seem to post anything, but you always notice that they have like almost every post on your feed! (stalker much?) It appears as though different formations of identities are being constructed in this new realm that I think haven't yet been entirely explored. Some people use social networking sights to simply 'keep in touch' whilst you notice others seem to pour their heart and emotions into there ritual hourly posts. Why? and what is different about these ranges of people that make them all conform to different personas. Can we put it down to just this new media change? or is it something deeper with the personality of the individual? I can't really answer these questions, but i think it's an interesting thought to leave you on for the time being.
Happy Blogging - this may be my last for now. (I'm at number 8!!!)
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