Digital

With the growth of digital technology in the 1990s, the vast majority of information is now
converted, stored and transmitted as binary code (a series of 1s and 0s.). Qualitative
information has today become ‘digitalised’.

Digitalisation what allows so much information to be stored in compact hard disks or micro
memory cards and it is also what allows for the near instantaneous transmission of
information via cable and satellite.

Digitalisation has also resulted in ‘technological convergence’, or the convergence of

different forms of information (text, audio and visual) into one single ‘system’ – most web
sites today offer a fusion of text and audio-visual information, and our mobile devices allow
us to perform a variety of functions – not only reading text and watching/ listening to videos,
but also searching for information, sending messages, shopping and using GPS functions.

Interactivity

‘Old media’ tended to be very much a ‘one way’ affair, with audiences on the receiving end
of broadcasts, for the most part able to do little else that just passively watch media content.

New Media however is much more of a two way affair and it allows consumers and users to
get more involved. It is much more of a two way form of communication than old media.

Increased interactivity can be seen in simple acts such as liking a Facebook post or
commenting on news piece or blog. However some users get much more involved and create
their own blogs and videos and actively upload their own content as ‘prosumers’.

New Media seem to have fostered a more participatory culture, with more people involved
and the roles between consumer and producer of media content becoming ever more blurred!

Hypertext

Hypertext, or ‘links’ are a common feature of new media, which allows users more freedom
of choice over how they navigate the different sources of information available to them. In
more technical terms, links in web sites offer non-sequential connections between all kinds of
data facilitated by the computer.

Optimists tend to see this feature as allowing for more individualised lifestyle choices, giving
users the chance to act more independently, and to make the most of the opportunities new
media markets make available to them.

Network

Digital Media has also facilitated cultural globalisation – we now interact much more
globally and via virtual networks of people rather than locally. These networks allow for
‘collective intelligence’ to increase – they allow us to pool our resources much more easily
and to draw on a wider range of talents and sources of information (depending on our needs)
than ever before.
Virtual

New media presents a very different reality than our everyday, face-to-face reality - a virtual
environment constructed with computer graphics and digital video. Users have control over
their experience in this world but are also subject to many different types of
information, opinions, interactions and products that they would not come across in real life.

It is simulated

Simulations surpass the virtual nature of new media and create an immersive, artificial life.
This is most obvious in computer games, which provide opportunities for users to experience
a 'virtual life' that is simulated through digital technology.

Examples include online role-playing games, but also driving, flight and ship-steering
simulations.

New media refers to the digital technologies and platforms that have transformed the way
information is created, shared, and consumed. It has revolutionized communication, enabling
interactive and personalized experiences. Here are key features of new media along with
examples:

Interactivity:
Users can actively engage with content and each other.

Example: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users to share,
comment, and react to posts.

Multimedia Integration:
Combines text, images, videos, audio, and animations in a single platform.
Example: Online news articles often include videos, infographics, and images to enhance the
storytelling experience.

User-Generated Content:
Users create and share content, blurring the line between creators and consumers.
Example: YouTube allows anyone to upload videos, making individuals content creators.

Global Reach:
Content can be accessed globally, transcending geographical boundaries.
Example: Online news portals and streaming services enable worldwide access to
information and entertainment.

Real-time Updates:
News and updates can be delivered instantly.
Example: Live streaming platforms like Twitch provide real-time coverage of events and
activities.
Personalization:
Content is tailored to individual preferences and interests.
Example: Streaming services like Netflix recommend shows based on users' viewing history.

Mobile Accessibility:
Content is accessible on mobile devices, enhancing convenience.
Example: Mobile apps for news, social media, and entertainment enable on-the-go access.

Participatory Culture:
Users actively participate in discussions, collaborations, and online communities.
Example: Wikipedia relies on collaborative contributions from users worldwide to create and
edit articles.

Data-driven Insights:
Analytics provide insights into user behavior and preferences.
Example: Online retailers use data analytics to personalize shopping recommendations for
users.
Hyperlinking and Connectivity:
Content is linked to other relevant content, creating a web of interconnected information.
Example: Hyperlinks in online articles direct readers to related sources, enriching the context.

Crowdsourcing:
Engages the collective intelligence of a large group to solve problems or create content.
Example: Kickstarter allows individuals to fund projects and innovations collectively.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):

Immersive experiences that blend digital and physical realities.
Example: VR headsets provide immersive gaming experiences, while AR apps overlay digital
information onto the real world.
Playing a VR game where users feel like they are inside a spaceship cockpit, fully immersed
in space travel.
Using an AR app to point a smartphone camera at a historical monument, which overlays
historical information and animations on the real-world view.

E-commerce Integration:
Direct shopping and transactions can take place within digital platforms.
Example: Amazon and other online marketplaces enable users to buy products directly from
their websites.

Instant Feedback and Engagement:

Audiences can provide immediate feedback and engage in real-time discussions.
Example: Twitter polls and live Q&A sessions with influencers allow direct interaction with
audiences.

Algorithmic Content Curation:

Algorithms curate content based on user preferences and behavior.
Example: Content recommendation systems on platforms like YouTube suggest videos based
on users' viewing history.
These key features of new media have transformed the way we access information,
communicate, and engage with content. They have opened up new opportunities for
individuals and businesses to connect, share, and collaborate in innovative ways.