Next New

A new type of "new media" can be an application that changes the world of fashion, as well as makes it easier to get ready in the mornings. Technology has come a long way over the last few decades, but one thing that developers haven't been able to successfully recreate is Cher's closet from Clueless. The software of the new device would need to upload every article of the user's clothing into a database in the computer. Then, based on the current fashion season, the program would create potential combinations for the user to browse through. The software would already know the current fashion trends and help the user choose appropriate outfits for the selected event. This innovation would save time for many people, therefore making their lives easier. The app would also suggest trying new outfits that the user wouldn't normally think to wear, based on their inputted style, but might enjoy. The device would make fashion easier, as many admit to having trouble being up-to-date with fashion trends. In addition, it would help the consumer to visualize how various outfits would look, without having to spend time trying them on one at a time.

Wiki So Far

For our class wiki so far, I have contributed by editing an existing section under the category, YouTube. I have edited a page under "Stars, Culture, & Advertising" to be relevant and up-to-date. Specifically, for the page, "Shane Dawson", I have updated the subscriber and total views count. I have also added content to this page, listing some of the newer videos that have been posted to his channel. Additionally, I have contributed to the category, "New Media in Social Networking". Namely, for the "Dating" page, I have edited the section about Hinge to elaborate more on what the application provides. An important aspect was missing, that it markets itself as a dating app "designed to be deleted". I plan to continue reading through various categories and adding graphics to pages, helping keep existing content current, and adding new content, or even creating my own pages if I deem it appropriate. Another category I want to add on to is "Social Networking" because a lot can be said about the ways in which social media affects multiple aspects of our day-to-day lives.

P2P

File sharing can be defined as the transference of files and data on computers through a network or the internet. Multiple people can gain access to this type of content and transmit it across other computers. Similarly, P2P file sharing includes peer-to-peer connections, in which users view media files with the help of a software program that finds computers with a specific file. This allows individuals to locate various types of information, such as music, books, movies, television shows, etc., from any computer. Some examples of P2P file sharing includes Gnutella, LimeWire, eMule, and Bearshare. A New York Times article explains that BitTorrent, another P2P technology, has been used to "find free copies of movies, still in theaters, in a matter of minutes."(Stelter, Stone, 2009) Simply through the search engine, users share illegal copies of media content across the internet. While illegal, many still participate in this behavior, but sites like LimeWire get shut down because of it.

Privacy

As the rise of new media continues to impact all areas of society, the issue of privacy and confidentiality has become a major concern for many people. Since our lives have become intertwined with new media, it is important that we be more aware of what we make public. In a culture that is centered around consumerism, companies will go to extreme, and often unethical lengths, to turn a profit. A perfect example of this is Facebook's data scandal, in which, it become known that the company had mined its user's data and sold it to third-parties. Unfortunately, people are commonly oblivious to the fact that many platforms use their data in similar contexts. While companies should make more of an effort to stray away from this, it is our responsibility to read the privacy policies of websites we sign up for, as we never know where our data might be going. In addition to this, all types of websites are often hacked, and consequently, many scams have been developed. With user's data and passwords being revealed, sites will try to threaten individuals for their own personal gain. Knowing this, it is important to stay alert and cautious in a world of new media.

Advice

If I was hired by Baruch College to use new media to improve the college, my suggestions would center around helping the systems in place to run more efficiently. One major issue that many students encounter is not being able to register for the classes they want to, when they want to. Sections tend to fill up extremely quickly, especially with professors and classes that are high-in-demand and held in high regard.

One way to resolve this would be to create an extension of CunyPortal, in which, student can request classes they want in advance. Using this service would provide a lot of data on what classes and professors are most wanted, so that the registrars office would know how to proceed. For example, if most sections of Psychology1001 during the morning and afternoon time slots are requested, then they might want to look into providing more sections then. This could save students from the frustrations of having to come in on days/hours that are not very feasible, or even having to wait till the following semester.

Another way to improve Baruch College would be by integrating more new media tools and services that encourage more engagement from students. I have noticed that, in most classes, participation and involvement from students is quite limited. It would be valuable to have class structure be less focused on standardized exams, and more on creative methods of testing. For example, blogs are a great way for students to retain information because it allows them to spend time being creative in applying knowledge from the classroom. The circumstances in which we learn shape the way we feel towards the subject. Thus, blogs lead to a more positive educational experience.

Creativity and New Media

Using new media tools, such as Instagram, have given me a platform to share my life with friends and family. But more importantly, it is a blog that I've had since I was in 8th grade. Since 2012, I have been posting pictures and creating a highlight-reel of my life. It is nice to have the ability to look back at my older, now archived posts, and reflect on those moments. The various tools on Instagram have inspired me to be more creative with what I do with my account. Over the past year, I have started saving my Insta-stories to my page and grouping them based on categories. Below, you can see the dancing emoji used to represent times I've had fun with friends, the strong arm emoji for the different workout classes I have tried, and an Israeli flag for when I went to Israel over the summer. I hope to continue to use my instagram as a time-capsule for all the memorable times of my life.

Creativity

In today's world, media has become widely digitized, meaning that everyone has access to books, music, photos, etc. People have been able to learn new things from reading books, viewing blogs, listening to music, and following social media accounts, all online. Over time, this has become an easily accessible way to get inspiration and create something. 

Media fosters creativity as it gives anyone and everyone the opportunity to become a content creator. It is usually free and very simple to set up any kind of social media account or blog. Once one creates some kind of platform, they can begin sharing their thoughts. In today's society, we don't need to work at an office anymore. The ability to work from wherever one pleases, given that they bring their computer or smartphone with them, encourages the flow of ideas. Some people have even been able to turn their hobbies into jobs, simply from the development of new media.

A NY Times article discusses this concept, explaining that "the Internet lets people exchange ideas easily and rapidly with large groups, and computing tools let people design new products cheaply."(Miller, 2009) This has been helpful for many companies looking to find new ideas from their consumers. Namely, technology companies rely on others to innovate for them. Companies will look at Twitter to see what users are saying, and take that into consideration when looking to make progress with their brands.