Lecture 2

Lecture 2 was an insight into the way that the media is changing and evolving. Media can be divvied  into two categories; old media and new media. Old media is, predictably, the traditional forms of media; newspapers, magazines and televisions. This type of media is focused around the idea of mass communication- getting your message across to as many people as possible, regardless of target audience or relevance. There is something very comforting about old media, perhaps its the memories of your dad reading the paper or the family all indulging in a television program together. Although it is seemingly becoming outdated in the face of new media, for me at least, sometimes there is nothing better than getting your media fix the 'old school way'. 

Different platforms of the web were also noted. These range from Web 1.0-the information and advertising web, Web 2.0- the social and interactive web were we are produsers and Web 3.0-the semantic web. Web 3.0 is the most advanced and is completely impressive. It uses hyperlocalisation to  allow the media to focus on the individual, on where we are and what we're looking for. In relation to news, this enables us to custom fit our news to our location and interests. This very nifty technology means we see what is relevant to us and can filter out anything else. Nifty yes, but also dangerous. Permitting people to view only stories on certain topics leads to ignorance and lack of general knowledge. It is a scary thought for human kind that a whole generation probably hears more about Miley Cyrus' new haircut then about the violence in Syria.