Saturday, October 29, 2011

Navigating Technomedia


In this article, Han discusses the concept of “technomedia.” Before the internet age, technology and media were considered distinct from each other. With the advancement and evolution of the internet, however, the two entities did not replace each other but rather they connected to each other to form a fluid relationship. An example of technomedia that the article presented was the mobile phone. While in the 1990s, the cellular phone was used just for phone communication,  today with the invention of Iphones, Blackberrys, etc., we use our phones to sent texts, browse the net, watch videos on Youtube etc. 


Additionally, Han continues the chapter by providing a brief history of technology and media. He explains that there are four eras: Mechanical, Electric, Broadcast, and Virtual. To end the chapter, Han explains how information systems and communications systems are no longer distinct from each other as it was in the past. Thus, he again emphasizes the idea of technomedia and writes: “It challenges thought and pushes it toward the future.” After reading this quote, I was reminded of the Occupy Movement that is going on right now. The Occupy Movement has greatly used the internet and specifically social networking to communicate with other protesters about where they are meeting up and what's occurring at the camping sights, as well as to communicate to supporters and the world about their views/beliefs. The internet therefore is not only allowing for communication between different people but it is also helping people challenge thought and hopefully move towards a more equal tomorrow. 

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