Describe New Media

What sort of technologies exactly are considered new media? Well, to start, cell phones are considered new media because the newer models simply do not work without the internet. Not all portable electronics require the internet to work, however, you can be sure that if it is portable, is has access to the internet. So basically, all the newer portable electronics are examples of new media.

Laptops also play a very big role in new media. What can a television do that a laptop can't? In fact, more people prefer to watch their favorite shows on their laptops rather than the television. Television does not give you the amount of customization and freedom that a laptop that is connected to the internet does.[1] Because of just this one feature, the internet, the laptop has tons of advantage over the television.

So, undoubtedly, the main difference between new media and old media is indeed the internet. In fact, now new models of televisions have the ability to connect to the internet because if they don't, the once most popular living room item will soon be dated.

Surely however, the internet alone cannot be the determining factor as to what is new and old media. There are also many secondary factors. Digital is another factor that is considered in new media. Almost everything that is considered part of the media has gone digital. An example would be an e-mail as apposed to writing and mailing a letter that would take time to be delivered. Books and newspapers have gone digital as well. More people are using e-books to do their reading versus having a huge book or newspaper that takes up unnecessary space.

Not having the option of the internet is considered old media but also anything that is physically big, takes up unnecessary space, and is not digital is definitely considered old media.


1. Holson, Laura. "Who Needs a TV? I’m Watching on a Laptop." New York Times. 03 Dec. 2008. Web.