What is New Media

New Media has become a term used for the various innovations in technology that allow for information to be distributed differently than it used to. A couple of technologies that are part of new media are blogs, social networks, video sharing websites, portable electronic devices that can connect to the internet, and websites in general. The internet is really the key to new media as it allows for widespread access to information in a variety of areas at a variety of times. With old media people would be required to take time out of their schedules to go to a store and buy a newspaper, magazine, or any other object containing news. With the rise of the internet people have access to this information almost wherever they are, nearly whenever they want. Essentially there are newspapers being reprinted with new news every couple of seconds; it is a great upgrade from the limitations of old media. New media also allows for everyday folk, as opposed to professional journalists, to publish articles and information they deem newsworthy. There are also advantages for businesses. James Manyika notes that business are now able to involve customers in their business process much more easily, allowing the companies to gain important feedback and improve their products. Video websites are also important as they are shifting the way television is watched. Youtube and Hulu allow people to watch tv and listen to music whenever they want, whatever song they want. Laura Holson notes that the necessity for a tv in one's household is decreasing to the point where some people will only watch tv online, saving money on cable bills. From a personal perspective New Media seems to be beneficial as it makes life less complicated, but the impact New Media has had and will continue to have on businesses should be watched closely as it could completely shift the way businesses operate.