Yes it is, but the New Media are far more than simply a set of digital tools and services. The New Media together reflect a new culture -- with new ways of finding, sharing, and creating that do not go by traditional rules. Those who want to succeed with the New Media better know something about this new culture and its principles, especially so they do not try to use the New Media as though they were the old media.
And that's a good starting point for understanding New Media. Just how is it that they differ from old or traditional media?
Old or Traditional Media
Old media include print publications, radio, television, and movies. Old media has typically been "big" media -- expensive to create and maintain, and aiming to reach broad audiences. This meant that old media was carefully controlled by the entities which built media infrastructure (publishers, broadcasters, TV networks, movie studios, etc.). It also meant that media was pretty much a sort of one-way communication, highly commercially oriented, and highly protective of intellectual property by emphasizing copyright. With big/old media, lots of people could receive it; few could create or distribute it.
New Media
New Media are pretty much the opposite of all that. They are free or cheap to access or to create, and do not depend on broad audience appeal. In turn, that means these media are not dependent upon advertising or big commercial interests. New media are most often tailored to very specific interests. New media are considered more democratic because they are more accessible, easier for more people to create, and more interactive and participatory. The sharing culture associated with new media encourages creative commons licensing (rather than copyright) to encourage remixing and reuse of user-generated content. The new media thrive on people expressing themselves frequently and informally.
New Media are often referred to as social media, and this is another key characteristic to remember. Sure, people socialize about big media productions all the time ("Hey, how about the new summer blockbuster that just came out!"), but the "social" aspect of New Media means either that that they are created collaboratively and interactively; that they are tied into various social networks where content is readily shared and commented upon; or else that these media are the means for creating and sustaining various communities online. Social media are often tied to social change and to a belief in democratic principles of participation and independence.
The New Media are also tied into video game culture, file sharing, mobile computing, and to location-based media and services. Because New Media tools allow for rapid social connections, they tend to accommodate spontaneous and informal meetings (online and in person), as well as building a large set of informal acquaintances ("friends" and "followers").
The New Media are also tied into video game culture, file sharing, mobile computing, and to location-based media and services. Because New Media tools allow for rapid social connections, they tend to accommodate spontaneous and informal meetings (online and in person), as well as building a large set of informal acquaintances ("friends" and "followers").
These are principles I will continually return to through this blog. Specific tools may come and go (Will Google Me end up replacing Facebook in a few years???) but these principles behind New Media will continue. There is no returning to an old-media-only world.
New Media as Old Media
However, unfortunately, it is all too possible to treat the New Media as though it were the old media. Here's just one example how. Some people use a blog as though it is simply a series of press releases -- sustaining the monologue mentality of traditional media and ignoring the critical component of engaging one's audiences through various social media.
How about you? Is your media use simply passive consumption of big, traditional media? Or do you participate online? If you are online, do you just read and watch things, or do you comment, create your own content, and invite others to respond? The New Media are fun because they have this living, social dimension to them.
Wow, I think that the last point made here is very significant, especially for missionaries. We sort of have a blocked mentality, that probably results from being "closed off" from our hometowns. We need to get out of that and actually interact more, and only then will others begin to interact with us. Bro Burton, Kudos!
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