By Fatmata Binta Bah
New media is the digital communication technologies and platforms that have emerge with the rise of the internet to enable communication enhancement.
New media is interactive and has the capacity for anyone with internet to access, publish, share and consume information.
The term “new media” encompasses digital communication channels such as social networks, blogs, video sharing sites and many more.
New media “a force for more good than bad” explores the transformative impact of digital platforms, social media and online technologies.
New media has transformed the manner in which people communicate and share knowledge by allowing immediate and direct interaction.
This article delves into the manner in which new media has positively influence communication, education and businesses. It enables one to communicate and share information and vast amount of knowledge and drive social change, despite the setbacks, new media has equipped individuals, making it a positive force in the modern world. There are valid concerns about its influence ranging from misinformation to privacy violation, it’s important to acknowledge that new media has brought about more good than bad. From democratizing information to empowering marginalized voices, the benefit of new media often outweighs its drawbacks. This article explores how new media has reshaped our world for the better.
One of the most significant impacts of new media is the democratization of information, in the pre-internet era traditional media (newspaper and television) had total control of what the public consume, they choose what goes out and what does not go out. Making them have monopoly over knowledge. In today’s era of the new media, anyone with internet can have direct access to the media, exposing them to a more diverse set of perception and narratives to consume. New media platforms such as YouTube Facebook and others enables one to publish content without relying on gatekeepers. It makes one to be involved by actively taking part in public discussion regardless of their background or financial stability.
Another significant impact of new media is the amplification of marginalized voices; new media has given individuals direct access to the public which traditional media has ignored. It provides safe space for people from all works of life to participate in conversation on politics, social justice and more. This social media platform has helped the spread of awareness pertaining issues affecting communities, creating and driving positive change. New media has also amplified cultural diversity, allowing people to create content that is in line with their cultural attribute.
The spread of knowledge and innovation is also a driving factor that new media has brought more good than bad in today’s generation. It has the capability of online courses, podcasts and YouTube tutorials which has made learning more accessible that before. These educational platforms allow individuals or students to access free or low cost of learning resources from across the globe, it also allows individuals to explore different topics of interest that might not have been covered by the traditional media. The access to knowledge has improved innovation, self-learning and personal growth.
Entrepreneurship is another driving factor of new media, it has opened endless opportunities for business people, these platforms has equipped individuals to be able to build personal brands, targeting their audience without the need of capital. It provides space for online marketing allowing small business to reach customers worldwide and increasing visibility profit gain for entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, the strengthening of global connection is also of great importance, the most transformative impact of new media is the ability to connect with people regardless of the of where they are, it has allowed people to create and maintain good relationships from far and near distance. This interconnectedness has not only strengthened personal bond but also facilitate the understanding in ways that were impossible.
Transparency and accountability are another impact it plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability, social media have become a very powerful tool for exposing corruption, human right abuses and more. In recent times countless instances of how citizens, journalist have captured footages of injustice that traditional media has left out. By providing an open platform for communication new media has made it very difficult for people to operate without scrutiny.
New media has bought many benefits but has also faced numerous challenges, such as the concerns around misinformation, data privacy and more but however these issues can be addressed through better regulations and media literacy education rather than dismissing these platforms entirely. Misinformation can be eradicated by encouraging critical thinking and providing fact checking resources.
New media has undeniably transformed society in ways that both empower and challenge us, while there are valid concerns new media has overwhelmingly proved positive impact than harm to society by democratizing information, amplifying marginalized voices, spread of knowledge and innovation, entrepreneurship, strengthening global connections, and transparency and accountability. These are all evidence of how new media has created a more open, informed engaged universe.
This article emphasizes the positive aspect of new media while acknowledging the challenges that comes with it. The key moving factor is not to reject new media but to improve its regulations ensuring that its benefits continue to overshadow its challenges.
