Scattered Reflections on Media

            It’s interesting looking at the Wikipedia list of all the various forms of media. We often take these tools for granted and ignore the powerful characteristics each form of media presents. I’ll admit that I seldom take into account the way information is conveyed to me and the effect the medium has on its transmittal; however, through our class content and Mr. Angello’s lecture I’ve become more aware of my preferred mediums. Through introspection, I realized I’ve always preferred music as my favorite form of media. Music can be a powerful platform for conveying an important message to others. Across the musical spectrum, countless artists from the likes of folk rocker, Bob Dylan, to pop-star, Beyoncé, have used music as a means to dispel information, raise awareness, and build support for myriad causes. Music mediates information by making it memorable via catchy songs and creative delivery methods (genre).

            Although music is my preferred medium, I find that I regularly interact with just about all forms of media in daily life. Whether I am aware of it or not, I feel like all types of media affect me. TV advertisements, music, newspapers, the Internet, people, and the natural world all interact together and help to make meaning of the world around me. 

             A form of media that has a profound effect on my generation is social media. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, Instagram, Tinder, etc.… are used by millions of people throughout the world. I find that a particularly large amount of my time is spent on Facebook. I use Facebook to communicate with others, share information, stay informed, and for entertainment. Also, I use it for my bands to build our audience, share our music, network, and promote our shows. I find Facebook really entertaining and a useful tool for artists. Although I love to hate on social media, I see my reliance on it and the opportunities it poses. I also see the negative effects of social media and try to stay aware of them in my interactions. For example, social media has often been criticized for its role in cyber bullying. Ultimately, I see the merit in social media and accept it as a normative factor in the 21^st century.