AQA A-Level Sociology | The Media | Impacts of New Media

Summary

This tutorial explores the profound impacts of new media on society, highlighting the exponential growth of internet usage, particularly among younger generations, and the resulting generational divide. It discusses the concept of 'digital natives' and the challenges faced by the 'digital underclass,' who lack access to online services. The video also touches on the democratizing potential of new media through social activism and the issues of content quality, misinformation, and the rise of trolling. It concludes by pondering whether new media reflects a shift towards late modernity and postmodernism, with traditional power structures still influencing the media landscape.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The exponential growth of new media has significantly influenced society, especially over the past two decades.
• 📈 There's been a doubling of internet usage in the last 10 years, with a notable increase in out-of-home access through smart devices.
• 👶 The rise in internet usage is largely driven by younger generations, creating a generational divide with older adults.
• 🌐 The term 'digital natives' refers to those born in the digital era who have grown up with easy access to new media.
• 📰 Traditional media users, often from older generations, face challenges in adapting to new media sources.
• 🏢 Socioeconomic status impacts new media access, with lower classes less likely to engage with new media, leading to a 'digital underclass'.
• 🏠 The digital underclass faces significant challenges, especially with services moving online, exacerbating issues during events like the COVID-19 lockdowns.
• 🛍️ New media offers increased consumer choice and convenience in accessing information, entertainment, and services.
• 🏢 The shift to online services has negatively impacted high streets and small businesses, as consumers often choose larger suppliers.
• 🗳️ New media has revitalized democracy by enabling social activism and putting pressure on organizations and governments to change policies.
• 📉 Critics argue that new media has led to a decline in content quality and an increase in 'dumbing down' of culturally significant content.
• 📰 The reliability of information has been questioned with the rise of 'fake news' and poor journalism practices.
• 👎 Negative aspects of new media include trolling and the lack of content regulation, leading to public criticism and threats.
• 📚 New media reflects societal changes towards late modernity, with increased consumerism, individualism, and a focus on diversity and individual experiences.

Q & A

What is one of the key features of contemporary society mentioned in the script?

One of the key features of contemporary society mentioned in the script is the exponential growth of new media and its influence on society, particularly over the last 20 years.

According to Ofcom, how has the time spent on the internet changed in the last decade?

According to Ofcom, the amount of time spent on the internet has doubled in the last 10 years.

What is the term used to describe individuals born in the digital era who have grown up with new media?

The term used to describe individuals born in the digital era who have grown up with new media is 'digital natives'.

How does social class impact access to new media according to the script?

Social class impacts access to new media with lower social classes being less likely to spend time engaged with new media, both in the UK and globally.

What is the term used to describe individuals with limited access to new media, particularly the internet?

The term used to describe individuals with limited access to new media, particularly the internet, is 'digital underclass'.

What challenges did the digital underclass face during the COVID-19 lockdowns as mentioned in the script?

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the digital underclass faced significant challenges such as exclusion from education moving online, difficulty in applying for benefits and services that were moved online, and challenges in accessing other services like tax returns and doctor appointments.

What positive impacts does the new media have on consumers according to the script?

The new media has increased choice for consumers, allowing them to access information, entertainment, and services when and where they want, compare prices, and read reviews, which can improve the quality of customer experience.

How has new media revitalized democracy as per the script?

New media has revitalized democracy by allowing for interactivity and participation, which has led to social activism through online petitions, sharing details of protest movements, and pressuring groups, organizations, and governments to amend policies and laws.

What criticisms are there regarding the growth of new media and its impact on quality?

Critics suggest that the growth of new media has led to a decline in quality with an increase in quantity, as media producers fill schedules with low-cost productions, leading to accusations of 'dumbing down' culturally significant content.

What are some negative aspects of participation and interactivity in new media mentioned in the script?

Some negative aspects of participation and interactivity in new media include the spread of fake news, misinformation, distrust of journalism, trolling, and the rise of council culture and debates over free speech.

How has new media reflected the acceleration of modernity into an era of late modernity?

New media has reflected the acceleration of modernity into an era of late modernity by increasing consumerism and individualism, moving society away from meta-narratives towards issues of diversity, alienation, exclusion, and individual experiences.