Discussion
A) After reading under the categories in New Media and Globalization and The Impact of New Media on Intercultural Communication, apply critical thinking techniques to help Shan (2010) answer this question, “Is intercultural communication possible?” under the context of new media in global society.
B) Also, has digital media influenced music? What are your music habits and how do you listen to music and buy it? How have your habits changed in the way you access and buy music?
C) After watching “Citizen Journalism and the Democratisation of News Coverage,” provide an example of how citizen journalism has been effective. Explain how it was effective and explain how citizen journalism can also be problematic.
Answers:
A) Shan (2010) would likely argue that intercultural communication is possible through new media in a global society, but that it presents both opportunities and challenges. New media technologies have the potential to bridge geographical distances and facilitate communication across cultures. However, the lack of face-to-face interaction, language barriers, and cultural differences in the use of technology can also create misunderstandings and reinforce cultural stereotypes. The key to successful intercultural communication through new media is to approach it with awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences, as well as a willingness to learn and understand.
B) Digital media has certainly influenced music, both in terms of how it is produced, distributed, and consumed. With the rise of streaming platforms, the way people listen to and buy music has changed dramatically. Nowadays, it is common for people to access music through online platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, rather than purchasing physical albums or CDs. This has made music more accessible, but also raised questions about the fairness of artist compensation in the digital age.
C) Citizen journalism has been effective in providing alternative perspectives and breaking news stories that may not have been covered by traditional media outlets. For example, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, citizen journalists used social media and other online platforms to share their experiences and report on events as they happened. This provided a critical counter-narrative to the official news coverage and brought attention to issues that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
However, citizen journalism can also be problematic in terms of accuracy, reliability, and bias. Citizen journalists may not have the same training or resources as professional journalists, and their reporting may not be subject to the same level of verification and fact-checking. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and false narratives. Additionally, personal biases and perspectives can influence the way citizen journalists cover events, which may not provide a complete or impartial view.
