The term “emerging” implies something new and “media” includes multiple platforms in communications, websites, social media, email, print advertising, newspapers, etc. The technology world is constantly changing as new developments are created. Emerging media matters because it changes the way we live. The greatest impact current technology has on the way we live is in mobile phones and social media.
Our society has become dependent upon cell phones to manage many aspects of our lives. According to Pew Research,
- “67% of cell owners find themselves checking their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating.”
- “44% of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed because they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss any calls, text messages, or other updates during the night.”
- “29% of cell owners describe their cell phone as “something they can’t imagine living without.””
Social media does not only impact our daily routine and the way we communicate but has infiltrated numerous areas of our society. Voting and the election process has been greatly influenced by social media. In the 2012 elections, people used social media to share how they voted as well as to encourage others to vote.
- 22% of registered voters have let others know how they voted on a social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter.
- 20% of registered voters have encouraged others to vote by posting on a social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter. (Source)
In the current 2016 Presidential elections, political ad “spending on social media is estimated to account for more than half of the $1 billion budget for digital media.”
As I consider the current state of my life in regards to technology and emerging media, if I look back 5, 10, 15 years, I’d have to say, whoa, I didn’t see that coming!