Impact of Technology In Mass Communication Today
What Is The Impact on Mass Communication?
A New Effect on Old
There are several impacts of new technology in motion pictures and mass communication. People have been inspired to live in a future of technology through movies like Star Trek and Star Wars. We have come to expect realistic and faithful stories on screen with the highest realism. We are watching more video on many different platforms such as the iPhone, laptop computers and other portables. We are much more dependent on technology. We also expect many options for communications and entertainment. We are interconnected to the whole world through the internet. As a result, we are much more insulated in our homes than ever before. In a nutshell, the world has become digital.
Change
Perhaps the largest impact is change itself. Dr. Michael Morgan, professor of Communication at the University of Massachusetts, discusses how changes of new technology effect the old communication tools. Most importantly, he reminds us that the new technology does not end the old. What happens is the old technology is forced to change in some way (Morgan, 2009).
What Does The Future Hold?
I predict the internet, personal computers and mobile technologies will continue to create new options for mass communications. The advancement of technology and mass media does not necessary eliminate older, less used tools. Because people have choices, they can choose to be available in the manner and time frame of their own choosing. Unlike the traditional home phone call in the 1960’s, our children will not run to pick up the phone call. For example, using Google Voice today allows users to create routing rules for calls and messages, based on who is calling, at what time and through which device a person wishes to use. Motion pictures are following this trend through Netflix and other downloadable entertainment sources. Movies will being available wherever people want them.
Scary Future
One potentially frightening result of this kind of mass media customization is an increase in cocoonism. The term cocoonism means that people are socializing less and retreating to their homes. Since we have less interactions with people (especially those who are different, strange or weird), we have less tolerance for people. This could lead to deeper levels of isolationism that could negatively affect communities, nations and the whole world. The good news is that trends tend to balance themselves over time through extremes. When this current trend gets old, there will be something new or different that will change how we live, work and communicate with each other.
