Throughout The Trap people were referred to as human-like machines that are easily manipulated and controlled. It is interesting to think about that since “new media” is usually described as being uncontrollable. I believe new media is a tool that people can use to get their voice heard, while at the same time becoming independent from others. It is worthy of note that “new media” has created a radical shift of who is in control of information.
It would be fascinating to see what take Adam Curtis would have on “new media”. Would he criticize it by saying that people only write and express what is in their own interest? Or would he glorify it by saying that we are one step closer to a better democracy? Would he think it inspires freedom because we can basically talk about anything that we want? Or would he argue it just entraps us more because it does not create incentive for face-to-face communication?
Both spatial and temporal barriers are removed through the Internet and “new media”, and thus this opens up communication that might not otherwise be possible or feasible. Personally, “new media” has enabled me to keep in contact with my friends from all over the world through e-mail, commenting on their blogs and uploading pictures onto sites like Facebook and Twitter. These sites have enabled me to express myself in ways that were previously not thought possible. I am deeply intrigued in learning more about “new media” and hope this class will broaden my knowledge of what I believe is a crucial and essential tool to know for my future career and life.
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One Comment
I wonder what Adam Curtis would say also. Do you think that maybe he would apply Isaiah Berlin and say that the ways that new media brings us together serves the needs of our own agenda or our society’s agenda? I wonder sometimes because on one hand people can unite around things like messageboards and blogs but at the same times though sites like Facebook let us stay in touch with friends, they’ve been used for corporate purposes as well. I don’t know if you’ve worked in PR at all but I have and makes you see New Media differently. What are new tools to socialize for you and me are tools for the PR Pro to spread their message. Then again, I can’t fault someone for finding ways to improve how they do their job and god knows I was able to stand out in my last internship for helping my boss get better using new media outlets like message boards!