Lecture/discussion:

• New media
• social media
• Instagram
• Digital (mp3/4, jpeg, gif, p2p etc), online (varying platform, YouTube, Netflix, vimeo,) evolution
  • Consistent pattern/expectation of new media to be solely/predominantly utilising digital formats on an online platform; evolving, changing and contorting to business and suer expectations, as well as pop-cultural zeitgeists, conforming to fads, trends, etc

Symbiotic relation between social media users and social media itself. Must uphold some sort of sense of expectation of one another throughout the platforms/formats evolution; a new media cannot be solely responsible to adhere to the needs of every demographic of users, just as nor should every user be expected to adhere completely to the changing form of a new media. A middle ground must be established in order for the platform to thrive; wherein users and the media change in conjunction with one another, developing at the same pace. Users have to change to layouts and features, and the media has to change to trends, expectations, and the needs of the users/what is rising in popularity.

However as new media has emerged we tend to take things for granted. Our accessibility to one another is greater than ever; and with instantaneous connection being the norm, our desires and need for speed/haste in everyday life when in relation to our consumption of media, be it social or not, has subsequently and exponentially increased. 20mbps is far from a slow speed, yet many with such a connection are deemed to be on the lower end of internet speeds, and since we have seen the rise of fiber -optic cables for internet connect – capable of delivering speeds tenfold of its copper-based predecessor.
When it comes with new media, connectivity is key.

To be able to analyse new media, vivisecting emerging forms, speed is crucial. The faster we can gain access and view something, the quicker we can understand it map its relations to other media forms, thus creating an overarching map of the evolution of media as a whole.

Consequences/side effects:? As our speed and connectivity increases, as does as our consumption: in doing so we are able to move from trend to trend much quicker, seemingly creating a time in which what is popular is always fleeting. E.g. memes, often recognised as the forefront of pop-culture (as it encapsulates a mindset of the time) can have lifespans of months, or even days; people are connected to the point that a malleable piece of media can become saturated as quickly as it rose to popularity, and before many are even able to witness it, it ‘dies’. In the news, we consume information so quickly that the scandal of one day can be forgotten by the scandal or event of the next, OR, in extreme cases, in cases where events happen simultaneously, the lesser attention-worthy one is dropped, with only the more ‘popular’ piece/article making it to air/print.
This process is far from new, with a slow burn of the more modern model of media beginning with the introduction of radio; limited channels, time, and production costs have always dictated what was to be presented, and still is, but at a far more rapid pace. Now, there is more media in any format than anyone person has time to consume, thus making it all about choice: what to watch and when (this is a reason as to why platforms such as YouTube and Netflix have risen to dominance – eliminating the costly variable of channels and time, it has made it easier for users to consume their media as that it’s on demand.)

Media is always changing, and so what we consider ‘new’ will be changing with it, but the question now is to what extent? Have we peaked? Definitely not. But have we discovered the key formula for media to succeed? Quite possibly: make it quick, easy to consume, accessible, and keep it evolving with the users.

• This may be partially set due to the affordances associated with media consumption and its formats. – platforms evolving to adhere not to the user but to technology; easiest forms of consumption being via smart phones (simple design, ease of access, scrolling ability, tactile interaction, multiple recording tools, etc) and the constant of television, with video still being produced in a 16:9 aspect ratio, (or with some Instagram filters, 3:4 or 4:4). Our relationship with screens have shaped how media has evolved. For all intents and purposed Instagram could produce their own range of cameras or smart phones, e.g. a classic style polaroid camera that can still take physical photos, but scans and upload to your profile.