Paul Levinson’s New New Media: My Thoughts on His Thoughts

In Paul Levinson’s book, New New Media, he sets the stage for a better understanding of what the term New New Media actually means. We’ve heard media, and even new media, but why the extra “new?” Isn’t that just social media? Levinson would argue that new new media goes beyond social media. Levinson remarks, “the central theme of [new new media] is how this empowerment of everyone as producers and disseminators of information s continuing to change the ways all of us live, work, and play” (Levinson, p. 2). New new media is especially significant today, as it allows anyone to have a direct voice in decisions about society. This direct voice can instantly comment on politics, as well as everyday life.

Although platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are indeed social mediums, new new media is not limited to the term “social media.” New new media goes beyond social features. Levinson presents numerous features of new new media. He believes that the characteristics of new new media include that every consumer is a producer, its essentially free for the consumer, its competitive and mutally catalytic, it’s more than just search engines or email, and the platforms are ultimately beyond the consumer’s control. Levinson opens up a whole new perspective on new new media. He asks his readers to think of new new media beyond its social characteristics. In doing so, he also opens the door to a better understanding of how new new media affects our society and us, as individuals.

Prior to Levinson, I never really thought of our newer communication technologies as new new media. I usually just refer to them as social media. When I looked past the social aspects of new new media, I began to have a better grasp of the impact these new communication technologies have on society. I learned a lot about how new new media plays an increasingly large role in politics. Many people even say that Barak Obama would not have won the election without the Internet. Specifically, Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post commented on social media’s role in the election, as well Eric Shmidt, the CEO of Google. Levinson pushed be to consider the extent of new new media’s role in politics. I began to consider how social media caused a revolutionary uprising in Egypt in an instant, or how Occupy Wall Street used social media to showcase police brutality.

Levinson also raises some critical questions about where communication technologies are taking us.  Levinson notes, “new new media, like all human tools, can also be put to personally and socially destructive purposes” (Levinson, p.9). He comments everything from cyberbullying and cyberstalking to robbery and murder. There are also debatable downs and ups of communication technologies. For instance, Wikileaks caused a lot of controversy. Some felt it was destructive, while others felt it revealed important truths. Levinson raises other questions about where communication technologies are taking us. It’s important that communication theorists raise these types of questions so that they inspire more critical thinking about new new media.

I found Levinson’s insight on numerous online platforms the most interesting. I use most of the platforms he discusses on a daily basis, but I’ve never put much deep thought into the platforms. His grasp of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wikipedia, Foursquare, blogging, and more were very helpful and taught me a lot more about the platforms. For instance, I did not know that potential employers sometimes controversially ask job candidates for the passwords to their profiles—giving them access to public and private information. This goes into the whole problem of privacy online. Is there privacy online? Or have we reverted back to a tribal age, where all information is shared? Levinson really opened my ideas to more complex and intellectual ideas about new new media. New New Media was extremely helpful in thinking more critically about new communication technologies.

Helping the Community Learn More About Social Media

A major question came up before helping seniors in the community learn more about social media. Who’s responsibility is it to teach senior citizens about new new media? It’s become such a large part of our lives, we forget how overwhelming it can be for someone that did not grow up with constant technology. As we begin to mainly communicate through social media platforms, we need to remember to help those in our community that aren’t as up-to-date. 

I was incredibly nervous about the first class we would have with our “students.” I had no idea was to expect. How much would they know about social media? Would they be happy to learn more about social media? Maybe they are just taking taking the class, because they feel they have no other choice today. I just had no idea.

Luckily, I was placed with thee sweetest lady, Kathryn. She was so kind and essentially down to learn about anything. Specifically, she wanted to become a little more familiar with sharing the issues and concerns of Denver Peace and Justice Center (DPJC), where she volunteered. She was also interested in learning more about platforms that might just be fun to use. In order to narrow down what she could learn in the next two sessions, we discussed what specific platforms had to offer. For the rest of the first session, we played around with her Facebook, and I showed her a little more about the Facebook app. She joined the DPJC group on Facebook, so that she could invite more people to join. She added a couple of pictures of her grandchildren from her phone. Aside from discussing what she wanted to get out of the class, we just had fun getting to know each other. It was a great first session. I now realize I had nothing to worry about.

In the next two sessions, we explored platforms that would help her spread DPJC news, as well as ones that might just be fun. I had Kathryn set up her own Pandora account, and we end over how to create stations. I gave her an “assignment” to add at least five more stations, and to use the platform at home. We had a lot of fun with Pinterest. Kathryn created a gardening board, and a cooking board. Kathryn created a page on Facebook for DPJC, invited members, and even added a photo and cover photo to the page. She also created a Google+ account, and created a DPJC community. We went over the mechanics of Facebook and Google+, and I typed up some of the basic usages for her.

Overall, this was an awesome experience. Kathryn was so wonderful, and I even got to know some of the other participants that we were sitting near. This gap in communication is a new problem in today’s society. It’s a problem that has not be addressed. There need to be more workshops that help senior citizens learn how to utilize new new media. They want to be able to easily communicate with their family and friends, just as much as we do. This experience reminded me of how new these platforms really are. Although I didn’t grow up with smart phones and apps, the transition into new new media was effortless. My life has adjusted a lot through new new media, but the advances in technology didn’t seem like a huge deal growing up. I would say I was affected by email in high school. No longer could I rely on a teacher telling me something in person; I was now responsible for constantly checking my email. When so much new technology was popping up just about everyday, I just learn to adapt to it and carry on. This isn’t as easy for senior citizens, who didn’t grow up in such a fast-paced technological world. Working with Kathryn was eye opening. I think this workshop was my favorite part of the class.

 

How would you feel if your friend started dating a virtual girlfriend? Would you perceive him/her differently?

I would absolutely perceive my friend differently. I wouldn’t even being doing this intentionally–I just don’t think I could control my judgement about the situation. I feel that I understand why some people would choose to have a virtual girlfriend; some might be anti-social and just don’t know where to turn. If I think about it critically, I have sympathy for people that need virtual girlfriends, but if it’s someone that I know I can’t control my opinions. 

I also don’t like the fact that they actually do have games that allow you to have a virtual girlfriend. I especially don’t like the fact that they only have these games for men. For instance, the game Love Plus is solely for men. It allows men to view women as objects–something they can control. In the game Love Plus, men can even set preferences to how they would like to be addressed, treated, etc. They can also choose what their “girlfriend” is wearing. Even if this “game” could help anti-social men learn how to interact with other people, it’s giving them a VERY wrong impression of the real world. These preference options do not exist. A huge part of being in a relationship is facing challenges. Relationships are not meant to be your perfect, ideal scenario that you alone control.

If my friend decided to get a virtual girlfriend, I would probably have a talk with him/her. Not a condescending conversation of any sorts, but a meaningful one about why he/she feel they need a virtual girlfriend. If anything, maybe this would even help me understand the need for a virtual girlfriend–or at least understand the other side of the argument. I just know that I hope the best for my friends, and I don’t think virtual girlfriends will ever be the best option. Real human interaction is necessary. Even if a computer can simulate significant conversation, it’s still a computer! I’d like to think that I am unique enough not to be replicated by a computer. 

I feel as though having a virtual girlfriend is like giving up. Giving up on humanity, and yourself. Everyone deserves to form real bonds in the real world, but if we hide behind computers we are just inhibiting ourselves–making excuses. Maybe you’re lonely and don’t know where to turn, but virtual girlfriends are a copout. Go out there and be brave! Face your fears! 

But hey maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the film Bicentennial Man will really happen and this post will be seen as ignorant 50 years from now. We’ll see. 

 

Think Critically

Critical thinking is especially important in social media today. Don’t believe everything you read and don’t believe everything you think. It’s important to always think critically.

What’s the downfall of Jawbone? Will we pay less attention to our own ability to pick up on body signals?

I find Jawbone completely beneficial, but it does pose some questions about self-control. Can we no longer take responsibility for our actions and our health? Do we really need an app to tell us how to live a healthy life?

Jawbone UP system and App

Personally, I’ve always found it difficult finding the time to stay on top of my personal health–but should i be relying on an app? If it’s proven to work, I absolutely don’t have a problem. There are definitely issues regarding how it affects our ability to just have self-control and read our own body, but as obesity becomes an increasingly larger problem I don’t see the harm. A huge problem with obesity today is that people are unaware of what they’re eating–and the activity it requires to burn off those calories. More and more children are sitting on the computer or playing video games, eating junk food, and not receiving the proper health education. If Jawbone’s UP system can help mitigate that, then it’s a solution. Even though it’s helping us live a healthier lifestyle, it still requires a level of motivation and self-control. The system isn’t going to force me to be more active or shove healthier food options down my throat–it’s going to encourage me to make these choices on my own. I especially appreciate the app factor. As someone that’s tried counting calories numerous times, Jawbone offers consistent tracking. Not to mention it’s not just counting calories, it’s providing a wholesome overlook at your lifestyle–from your sleep, to your activity, to your nutrition (and more). The app also allows you to connect with family or friends and support each other. My roommates and I have tried working out and counting calories together, but someone always backs out (or we just all slowly backdown). In the end, Jawbone is supporting a more wholesome and healthier lifestyle–and you can’t argue too much with that.

What app would you create? or How do you use apps to unwind?/How does it change how we relax?

It’s hard to think about what app I would create, because it feels as if there is an app for literally everything–hence the phrase “there’s an app for that.” Hypothetically, I’d get a ton of use out of a teleporting app. So let me know when they create that one…

Apps have changed the way I unwind. Unlike many of my friends growing up, I did not have a television in my bedroom. This meant reading, or even just laying on my bed until I eventually fell asleep. This is not the case today. Almost every night I fall asleep to a screen–whether it be a computer screen or my iPhone screen. Usually this means I fell asleep watching Netflix, or playing some pretty useless game like Tetris or TextTwist. I can sadly admit that I once even watched the entire season of Arrested Development on my iPhone screen, because my computer was getting repaired (hey, it had been 10 years since the previous season!). Apps haven’t just changed the way I unwind before bed, but the way I relax throughout the day. In between classes I’ll find myself checking Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and so on. Sometimes I feel so time crunched, it seems like the easiest option. When I try to examine my actions critically, I see that playing on my apps doesn’t let me unwind–it just stresses me out more. I’m not actually taking a break; I’m tediously playing on my phone. I know that actual social interaction relieves me, but I still continue to turn to my phone to “unwind.” Why do I do this if I know I’m not truly relaxing? Am I too lazy too even find a real way to unwind?

Recently, I’m trying to cut off my Netflix intake at night. It’s been 3 nights…sooo we’ll see how this goes. I should probably swear off Instagram as well.

Look at this Instagram (Nickelback Parody)

Instagram. My main go-to when boredom strikes. I find Twitter and Instagram similar in many ways. I view Instagram as microblogging through photos, or micro-photographing. This video is hilarious, but at the same time soo true. Can anyone deny posting at least one of these stereotypical Instagram photos?

What is Instagram in light of communication? Here we are, documenting literally every moment of our life(whether it be significant or not), and for what? Do my friends actually care about my breakfast this morning? Or that duck I saw at the park? Is it even aesthetically pleasing, or am I solely documenting my life? What do we miss out on when we are so concerned with taking a picture of every moment?

This also brings up the issue of constantly documenting to prove that it happened. I think we’ve all heard the phrase, “if it’s not Facebook, then it never happen,” or at least some variation. Why do we want to take a picture of our meal prior to even enjoying the food? If we don’t post a picture of our meal will we not enjoy it as much? It’s not like posting the picture on Instagram will allow your friends to take a bite. What’s the point?! Why do we feel the need to report our daily activity through Instagram photos?

How have apps affected your life?

Phones were once solely used for calling. Cell phones allowed you mobility during calls. The cell phone I grew up with was solely used for calling, but if you were lucky enough your parents bought you texting. I think i started out with 100 texts per month? I don’t even want to know how many texts I send a month now. Today, cell phones are SO much more than calling and texting. All too often you here the phrase, “there’s an app for that.” Apps, or applications, all of a sudden dominate the idea of the cell phone. No longer do we simply look to our phones for calling mom, or texting friends–We look to our phones for everything. That’s why “there’s [probably] an app for that”–because we do everything on our phones, and therefore need an app for directions, sharing photos, sharing location, entertainment, communication (in MANY different forms/ways), microblogging, music, work, news, bank statements, stocks, and the list could go on and go (but actually).

Apps have transformed our phones from a simple person-to-person communication tool into what feels like a palm of endless possibilities. Apps have changed many aspects of communication. For instance, Snapchat allows you to send pictures that last from 1-10 seconds. Snapchat has allowed me to send ugly faces to my friends, knowing that they cannot save the photo. There’s some kind of trust issue hidden underneath Snapchat. Did I not trust my friend enough to know she wouldn’t show someone else the ugly picture?  Apps change communication in many, unexpected ways. For example, now that I have Facebook on my phone I don’t have to guess if it’s someone’s birthday. I can look it up on Facebook, tell them Happy Birthday, and they will never know I found out it was their birthday 2 seconds ago. Do I longer find it important to just know my friends’ birthdays? Am I cheating by checking Facebook?

Apps have also affected just how much we communicate. When I have an iPhone in the palm of my hand, I can communicate through numerous platforms in a matter of a minute. I can Facebook, tweet, Instagram, youtube, Skype, etc. I am always available. The mobility of my cell phone doesn’t even allow me to step away for a minute. People expect you to have your phone on you. Who hasn’t gotten frustrated when the person you call doesn’t answer? Have you not asked, “What’s the point of having a cell phone if you don’t have it with you?!!” I only hope apps won’t have this effect on social media. Will I be expected to answer a tweet within the hour? Apps force me to become available through almost all means of communication.

Apps have also contributed to a large chunk of my time. I have apps that I feel I actually benefit from, and then I have apps that essentially waste my time. I have spent far too much time scrolling through Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, etc; playing far too much Fruit Ninja; looking up what other movie that actress is in on IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base). What does this communicate about myself? Do I really have nothing better to do than read pointless microblogging, play useless games, and find out every movie that actress was in? Apps have benefitted me in numerous ways, but how have they obstructed my valuable time? If I spend a large majority of my time doing mindless tasks, do I value my own time anymore? Essentially, there’s benefits and costs to living in a world with apps.

What do you see as the benefits? What do you see as the costs? How have they affected your communication and your time? If you are in COM424, please consider these questions for my OP.

How does social media affect the way we look at ourselves? Does it boost or undermine our self-confidence?

We are always viewing ourselves as the “me.” In other words, we view ourselves as we perceive other people to view us. We look at ourselves through the looking glass–whether we realize it or not. I didn’t fully realize that I look at myself in this way, until I thought about social media. I think we’ve all scrolled through our Facebook profile once or twice thinking about what OTHER people are thinking when they go through our profile. Now you even have the option to view your profile as a specific person. You can see EXACTLY what that specific person sees when they go to your profile–which posts, pictures, likes, etc. It’s weird to realize that when I look at my profile that I am usually wondering what others think. I’m not viewing my actual self, but how I perceive others to be viewing me. It’s also strange that this concept wasn’t always as tangible as it is today. Before the internet, how we perceived others to look at us was solely in our head–a guess/assumption of what they see. Today you can actually see how they view you. You don’t know how they’re interpreting what they see, but you have a better idea of what they’re seeing.

This “looking glass” concept is an innate way that we look at ourselves, but when it becomes a part of social media it’s much more pronounced. In high school, I liked adding pictures of going out on the weekends to show that I was social and fun. Today, I have to think about appropriate photos for platforms that make me look professional and trustworthy. Then I start to think about just how many images of myself I’m trying to create. On one hand, I want to be professional, and on the other hand I want to look like a fun, interesting person. What other images of myself do I try to create on the web?

Anti-Incest App in Iceland…sayyy whaaa

Anti-Incest App in Iceland…sayyy whaaa

There’s an app for that

 

“According to Iceland’s national genealogical database, all Icelanders are distantlyrelated, and a new app has been developed to make sure that “kissing cousins” don’t actually kiss… or anything else.”

This is crazy…but a good thing I guess?