Media Habits changing over time!
In 2014 the upcoming generation embraces a different set of media than the older generations. It is interesting to see the differences in media habits over time.
A key event for me which made me realise that the world has changed was a lesson where I taught on communication technologies. I was trying to explain different modes of communication technologies by using examples from the world of radio. I was explaining the differences between FM and AM radio.
Suddenly one of my students revealed to me that he didn't own a radio at all. I didn't think that this was possible in the modern world in Western Europe and individual who does not own a radio at all.
On second thoughts why should he own one? There is 24/7 TV coverage. If he doesn't have his own car obviously he won't have a car radio. Most phones come with media players so really is there any need for a radio?
When I looked around I remembered that a friends son in the Ukraine only uses the Internet for his entertainment. He doesn't rate TV programmes and he gets to choose what to watch on the Internet. Apparently their TV had not been turned on for a long time.
Another friend in Kiev bought a brand new TV and it already had Wifi built in with some YouTube app or channel.
In England I noticed that a friend 20 years younger uses his smartphone to watch the football when he is on the move or visiting friends and mainly uses the laptop at home.
In South Dakota I noticed one family where the kids hijacked the big family TV for Xbox use.
In contrast there seem to be more TV channels than ever before available via digital terrestrial, cable and satellite TV. A surprising amount of channels are free. Still the quality of the contents beamed into the home leaves a lot to be desired. I often found myself flicking through hundreds of channels not knowing what to watch. Listening around many people feel the same way.
I think it can be safely said that the older generation is still engaging in traditionally media yet the younger generation has abandoned old ways and are embracing the Internet with a flood of media outlets ranging from niche radio to main stream TV programmes available.
Gone are the days where you went to work or school and all were talking about the same programme they have seen on TV the evening before.
There is a huge opportunity and a big threat for people in power. The opportunity is for good media to find cheap ways to be made available. In contrast people in power are loosing a monopoly position for a medium they can use for mind control as no longer a whole nation is glued to the same programme receiving the same messages. Another negative aspect is that a lot of outlets are out there flooding the net with filth.
As Christians we need to utilise new media outlets and be innovative to reach out with the most important message the world needs to know.
So consider to contribute on YouTube may be with just telling about the great things God has done in your life or start writing a blog telling the world about it.
M
