Emerging media refers to innovative forms of communication that are transforming how we connect, access information, and entertain ourselves. In today’s society, which is firmly entrenched in the digital age, information technology reigns supreme. Traditional print and broadcast media remain significant in the digital age; rather, they are enhanced by emerging technologies such as email, websites, social media platforms, and online streaming services. Our social, economic, and political focus has shifted from industrialization to information technology.

Features of Emerging Media

Emerging media is typically designed with a mobile-first approach, enabling users to access content and services while on the go. It promotes interactivity, allowing for two-way communication where users can engage with content, creators, and other users. Additionally, emerging media offers immersive experiences, including virtual and augmented reality, which simulate real-world environments. It also facilitates convergence, often involving the integration of various technologies, platforms, and devices.

Emerging Media Platforms and Tools

Here are several examples of emerging media types. Through these various platforms and tools, people are witnessing a transformation in the creation, consumption, and interaction with media.

• Social Media Platforms

These are online environments that allow users to create, share, and interact with content, information, and other users. Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate, access information, and build relationships. Types of social media platforms include social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Twitch also fall into this category, as they enable users to upload, share, and view videos. Additionally, forums and discussion boards such as Quora, Reddit, and Discord allow users from around the world to engage in discussions, share information, and connect with others who share similar interests.

• Content Creation Tools

These are software applications, platforms, and resources that enable users to create, edit, and publish various types of content, including videos, graphics, and podcasts. Notable examples include Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Premiere Pro, Anchor, Audacity, Photoshop, and Lumen5.

• Virtual and Augmented Reality Platforms

These applications and tools allow users to create, experience, and interact with immersive, computer-generated environments. Examples are Oculus, Vive, and ARKit.

• Podcasting Platforms

Services like Anchor, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts allow users to create, distribute, and monetize podcasts.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI systems can provide users with personalized recommendations based on their interests and behaviours. Chatbots are computer programs that use AI to simulate conversations with humans. There are also voice assistants, which are AI-powered tools that perform tasks and answer questions using voice commands.

How Do Emerging Media Impact the World?

Emerging media is transforming people's lives and societies in many ways, bringing both positive and negative impacts. Here are some of the key effects:

Positive Impacts

• Increased Connectivity: Emerging media allows individuals to connect with others across great distances, fostering global communication and collaboration.
• Access to Information: Emerging media provides unparalleled access to information, education, and knowledge. This promotes lifelong learning and personal growth while also helping to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries.
• New Opportunities for Self-Expression:  Emerging media offers diverse platforms for individuals to express themselves, share their stories, and showcase their talents.
• Improved Healthcare: Emerging media facilitates remote healthcare services, enabling people to access medical consultations and advice from anywhere in the world. Telemedicine platforms like Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and American Well exemplify this by allowing remote consultations and monitoring.
• Enhanced Civic Engagement: With their global reach, emerging media platforms such as social media, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools enable individuals to connect across geographic boundaries. This empowers citizens to participate in democratic processes, mobilize social movements, and hold leaders accountable from anywhere they reside.

Negative Impacts

Emerging media, like many social phenomena, has several negative impacts. Below are some of the undesirable effects associated with it:

• Addiction and Distraction: Emerging media can be addictive, distracting individuals from important tasks, relationships, and responsibilities.
• Social Isolation: Over-reliance on emerging media can lead to social isolation, reducing face-to-face interactions and deepening feelings of loneliness. It may weaken social bonds by diminishing the need for in-person communication, leading to decreased empathy and increased social divisions.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: Emerging media often lack the regulation and fact-checking present in traditional media, making it easier to spread fake news, propaganda, and hate speech. The anonymity provided by these platforms allows individuals to disseminate false information, which contributes to the erosion of trust in people and institutions and manipulates public opinion. Additionally, emerging media can create echo chambers, where users only engage with information that reinforces their existing biases.
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Emerging media can facilitate bullying, harassment, and online abuse, which can have severe consequences for mental health and well-being. Anonymity on these platforms makes it easier for perpetrators to target victims. Furthermore, emerging media often lack emotional intelligence, making it difficult for users to comprehend the emotional impact of their online behaviour. This can lead to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
• Job Displacement and Economic Disruption: Emerging media technologies can lead to job displacement as tasks are increasingly performed by artificial intelligence (AI), disrupting traditional industries and impairing income inequality. The rise of online news sources and social media significantly impacts the print media industry, causing declines in newspaper circulation and advertising revenue. Similarly, digital photography and online photo-editing platforms have decreased the need for film development services. Automated trading platforms and online brokerages have also reduced the demand for human stock traders, allowing individuals to buy and sell stocks online with much ease.

While emerging media offers many advantages, it is essential to recognize and address these negative aspects to foster a healthier media environment.

Emerging media are undoubtedly integrating into society’s framework. According to www.statista.com, 5.24 billion people, or 63.9 percent of the global population, are active social media users. Individuals, businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations increasingly depend on these emerging media tools to connect with their audiences, share messages, and foster relationships. As technology continues to evolve, the potential of emerging media is limitless.

REFERENCE

Information form https://info.mssmedia.com/blog/what-is-emerging-media-how-should-you-use-it, https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/, and https://www.uidaho.edu/news/feature-stories/what-is-emerging-media was used in this story