Media Technology

Social Networking

A social network website meets the following criteria: (1) It must allow individuals to construct a public (or semi-public) profile within a bound system, (2) articulate a list of connected “friends”, (3) view past and present communications made between users (Boyd, D., & Ellison, N., 2007). Social networking websites may have in their use (i.e. LinkedIn for professional use, Google+ for personal use, and Facebook/Twitter for both), and can be exclusive or appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Social networking is unique in the sense that it can connect people all over the globe together instantly. Aside from personal use, many companies also use social networking websites to connect with their consumers to strengthen customer relations. Social networking websites allow companies to connect with their consumers as a means of hearing what is important to them as well as to update consumers of company sales, changes, and new information as it becomes available. Social networking is utilized by people who are technology savvy. In order to use social networking sites, one must have access to the internet, via computer or smartphone.

Text Messaging

Text messing is known as a type of socially interactive technology (which is also grouped under the same umbrella as instant messaging). Text messaging is an appealing form of media due to the fact that it is face-paced and inexpensive (Bryant, A., Sanders-Jackson, A., Smallwood, A. 2006). This form of media may be done from phone to phone or from computer to phone. Text messaging is more convenient than using social media because it does not require an internet connection to send. Text messaging can also be more convenient than a phone conversation since it is more discreet and does not involve interrupting one’s surroundings. Text messages can be sent to one or more (mass) receivers at the same time. This can also be more convenient and less time consuming than a phone call. However, there are setbacks to communicating via text message. “One criticism that has been brought up about the use of technology in developing relationships is that people can hide behind the technology wall. One may be more comfortable interacting with another through text messages, instead of face-to-face” (Longhini, W., 2011). Another drawback to text messaging is that it does not allow the receiver of a message to interpret the sender’s nonverbal communication. Since text messages are done wirelessly, receivers cannot hear the sender’s voice and cannot see the sender’s body language. This leaves the message open to the sender’s interpretation and leaves a larger margin for the potential error. While using text messaging as a form of communication, all communicators involved should ask for clarification if any information seems confusing or incorrect. 

Blogs

Blogs are another excellent use of media technology. People use blogs to communicate about a variety of topics, and usually have some sort of niche following. “Many blogs focus on a particular topic, such as web design, home staging, sports, or mobile technology. Some are more eclectic, presenting links to all types of other sites. And others are more like personal journals, presenting the author's daily life and thoughts” (WordPress.org). Like social networking websites, blogs tend to have certain things in common: (1) A main content area where the blog entries are in chronological order (usually the newest is at the top), (2) an archive of older blog entries, (3) a list of links to other related sites or blogs, (4) the option to subscribe (WordPress.org). Many blogs are fitted into a type of niche, and thus attract a niche following. For an example, a blog about home renovations would likely attract home owners, or handy do-it-yourself type people. Blogs (unlike other forms of media) can allow for the blog creator to generate revenue. By placing relevant ads on a blogger’s page, they can take part in a pay-per-click advertising campaign where the blogger can earn money for each person that clicks on an ad featured on their webpage.

Email

Email is a cost and environmentally effective alternative to print media. Emails are sent wirelessly and do not cost money to send. Like text messaging and social networking, emails are instant. Emails are also flexible in the sense that senders may include important attachments with an email. Contracts, brochures, and images are all examples of common attachments included with initial emails. The ability to include attachments with an email makes them especially helpful for those wishing to share large amounts of information with others. Like the previous forms of media, email may be used for business or personal use. Many companies have company emails, while personal emails are commonly used by internet giants such as Yahoo!, Google, AT&T, or Verizon. Because of the wide variety of usage options, email is used by a multitude of people for various reasons.