The Networked Media unit at RMIT during my Professional Communications course has confirmed my once wondering thoughts and realisation that the Internet has now become most young people’s number one source of information. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that people do not listen to the radio or read newspapers anymore, but it is definitely becoming less common.

I frequently find myself faced by old timers complaining about how “it was better in their day” and that technology has ultimately “ruined the way people communicate”. While there may be some drawbacks with modern day technology, it certainly has not damaged the way we communicate. Arguably, it has done quite the opposite. The convenience, speed, and accessibility people around the world experience with the Internet are allowing us to communicate in ways that were never before imagined possible.

Breaking news from any news network can notify me of the latest happenings in the world in the palm of my hand, the opinions of others from all around the world can be heard, and I can easily share whatever I want. Why would I not want this as opposed to a big clumsy newspaper, or the constant need for a television reception wherever I go? This vast multitasking ability of the Internet can also be experienced on several different devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Consequently the audience and consumer market is expanded and millions of people across the world can be connected.

A similarity can be drawn between CD players and MP3 players (iPods, phones, etc.). The very convenience and accessibility of having to carry just one device with you that contains your entire media library, and even internet connection as opposed to having your entire CD collection plus a big oddly shaped device has lead to a gradual downfall in the CD market. Just as vinyl was replaced, the same is happening with CDs. In fact, I don’t even remember the last time I went into HMV and bought one. I recently heard that vinyl was making a comeback, but we will see how far they get.

The future of media appears to be heading in the digital direction and is not looking back. I believe that the way we communicate and share information freely on the Internet should be a main area of concern for those who are looking to keep up with the times and expand with this ever-advancing technology. The entire world has never been so easy for us to reach, and we should take advantage of this.

When hearing about copyright laws, the words “oh God” quite often appear in one’s thoughts. The ongoing SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) disputes that started back in 2011 have left society with a sour taste in their mouths. Thus, people are arguably conditioned to believe that anything to do with copyright law infringes ones freedom to share online works with the world. This is where creative commons comes into play and removes this negative stereotype.

A creative commons license can help artists let people know that their work can be re-used, this is becoming a more sought after option due to the ever-growing popularity of the Internet. Nowadays, Internet based creations combined with the fashionable concept of “remixing” has lead to people wanting an easier way to show that they only want SOME of this protection as opposed to all of the previous standard laws.

When all of this is taken into consideration, a creative commons license in copyright law allows people to be creative while still respecting the works of others. The Internet is a place where people have the freedom to be creative and share what they have devised, and several people (myself included), believe that the rules and laws we are supposed to follow in our non-digital lives applies to the online world.

Unlike what most people negatively conjure up in their minds when hearing of copyright acts, creative commons proves otherwise. Now people have the ability to download and share content online without being at risk. In the earlier days of LimeWire, the words “download” and “legal” did not really go together. This has now become a thing of the past, and the convenience of online access and logical policies that work in favour of sharing what society wants are responsible for such a successful system.

For a more detailed explanation of what exactly creative commons is, watch this video.