Unfortunately I missed the class this week, due to the current world events I was in the middle of nowhere driving all the way home to stay with my parents. When I was on the drive, I managed to catch up on a few different things – podcast episodes, Netflix episodes, and even some Youtube videos when I got home, as I am a self-diagnosed addict, and often prioritise it over any schoolwork that I must complete. When I finally got around to the lecture however, it was revealed to me that all of these things are identified as ‘new media’. When defining new media, we can look at it in terms of its often digital format, online presence, and its constantly evolving form. In one day, I engaged with all three of these aspects of new media.
I think it is important to highlight too how these forms of new media overlap, and for this example I think of YouTube and Netflix. For example, Youtuber Colleen Ballinger, made famous for her character ‘Miranda Sings’ began online with a YouTube channel, then began her Netflix show ‘Haters Back Off!”. While she has gained international and varied success, many other creators, franchises, and ideas are being shared throughout these platforms. I think when considering new media it is therefore important to recognise the creators fluctuating between platforms, whilst also looking at the audience that goes with it. This is an indication of the evolving nature of new media, one where information is connected through many different people and platforms. This in turn also influences users, who may follow people throughout different platforms and forms of this new media.