Four Media Technologies

 In this blog I will be addressing and explaining the four types of media technologies used in our society today. The four types are printed media, radio, television, and of course social media. Throughout the years each of these technologies has adapt to our needs and provided us with the information that is pertinent in our world today. Sadly, as we continue to progress, there is a drastic decline in the use of particular medias due to a technically savvy society.

Printed Media

 Printed media has contributed to the knowledge aspect of America; in the past printed media was the only method to get information and stay up-to-date on current events. Although it appears to be evident that printed media is fading into the background, Forbes thinks differently.  Forbes (2012) notes that although companies are making the shift to online avenues to be more cost effective, they believe that print is still as power and viable as ever; the reasons for this belief rest in the fact that printed media is:

• Tangible- the physical aspect is unlike any other media technology and are able to be preserved over time, whereas in the virtual realm things disappear rather quickly. 

•  Credibility- “There is something about print that gives a sense of legitimacy” (Forbes, 2012). There are no distractions; simply the information that is written on the page is what you get.

•  Branding- Using printed media is an exceptional way to create a brand identity with regards to font types, colors, and imagery.

• Target Marketing- Strategic placement of Ads is important and magazines are an excellent avenue to market the next best thing.

•  Engaging- studies have shown that printed media is more engaging and that readers have a tendency to read digital screens slower than that of an actual printed piece of work.

•    Decline in use- The decline in the use of print ads can actually be an excellent marketing technique. While everyone is scrambling online, the publications are open to new ideas and options.

Printed media is an underused media technology, but a highly effective one to reach older audiences and much more. Although fading, there is faith in the restoration of printed media.

Radio

            Radio was an excellent advancement in previous years. With the radio, people were able to listen to the news and stay current with the war, listen to ads, and even sporting events. The radio was attractive and brought excitement to many homes. Businesses soon realized that value in reaching consumers. Radio today fills are with a plethora of music, talk radio, and even devotionals. The radio reached millions of people and families would gather around just to listen to exciting news happening throughout the world. Before the television, radio was an excellent stimulator of the imagination and still is. One of the greatest benefits of the radio is it provides revolving feedback and in the event of television outings, the radio is an excellent fallback source. Today, we multiple variations of the radio and even engage in Internet radio, radio pod-casting, and much more.

Television

            Television, for lack of better terms was the changed the way audiences received information. Television puts an image to radio; with this inventions audiences were now able to connect sounds to images. Television became popular after the Second World War and is found everywhere in homes, schools, business, and even in our transportation. We as a society still rely heavily on the use of a television to fill our need for entertainment, music, news, culture, education, and numerous other components. Television appeals to our senses and messages are easily transmitted.

            Today the majority of homes around the world have at least one television; this demonstrates the importance that we place on television in our world and the effect of sounds and images on the masses. With advance technology, many televisions are now able to connect to the Internet, provide radio, and virtual give us everything we need to stay informed. As they get small, thinner, and sleeker, televisions are becoming more intelligent and are virtually adapting to every new addition.

Social media

            Social media has significantly transform the way we communicate. Our society thrives off of the use of social media and has become the number one form of staying connected. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn appear to be highly successfully avenues for social media use. According to Social Media and Interpersonal Communication, “…studies have shown that people actually are becoming more social and more interactive with others, but the style of that communication has changed” (Keller, 2013, para. 3). However, with this increased social behavior face to face communication is dwindling in our society. Social media connects people to millions of others around the world. We are now able to reach, share, consult, and simply communicate with almost everyone and almost anywhere in the world. Social media has constant benefits and aids are society with the needs of today; however, it is important to never lose the value in face to face interactions. Will we survive social media?

References

Forbes. (2012, Jun 28). Print in dead? Not so fast. Retrieved from www.forbes.com.

Keller, M. (2013). Social media and interpersonal communication. Social Work Today, 13(3), p. 1-10. Retrieved from http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/051313p10.shtml