COM 251 Communication, Information, And Society Chapter 5 Di

Com 251communication Information And Societychapter 5digital Com

Discuss: What is online communication? Who are the digital natives? What is mobile journalism? Define online communication, its types, and social media components. Explain the concept of digital natives versus digital immigrants. Describe mobile journalism, its emergence, and implications, including legal, ethical, social responsibilities, and risks involved. Emphasize how online communication shapes society, the role of social media, and the revolution of mobile journalism, including its benefits and challenges.

Paper For Above instruction

Online communication, a fundamental aspect of modern society, encompasses the ways in which people and computers interact through networks and the internet. It includes various forms such as emails, instant messaging, social media, video conferencing, and forums. These channels facilitate instant connectivity, information exchange, and community building across geographical boundaries. The rapid proliferation of online communication tools has significantly transformed social, political, and economic landscapes, fostering greater participation and engagement among users worldwide (Hudson et al., 2015).

One critical concept in understanding digital interaction is the distinction between digital natives and digital immigrants. Coined by Prensky (2001), digital natives refer to individuals who have grown up immersed in digital technology, possessing innate familiarity with digital devices and platforms. Conversely, digital immigrants are those who adopted digital tools later in life, often needing to learn and adapt to new technological environments. This generational divide influences how individuals interact with online media, affecting their communication preferences, expectations, and skills (Prensky, 2001).

Social media platforms are pivotal components of online communication, characterized by features such as hashtags (#), mentions (@), multimedia sharing, and hyperlinks. These elements facilitate categorization, tagging, and broader dissemination of content, enabling users to participate actively in conversations and community-building efforts. Key benefits of social media include fostering dialogue, influencing public opinion, enhancing brand awareness, and building credibility (Kietzmann et al., 2011). Moreover, social media allows for targeted segmentation, making it possible to tailor messages to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, or behaviors, thus increasing message relevance and engagement (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010).

Mobile journalism, also known as MoJo, represents a revolution in media production and dissemination. Initially emerging as Backpack Journalism, the phenomenon capitalized on the ubiquity of smartphones equipped with high-quality cameras and editing apps. News organizations began training journalists to utilize mobile devices for capturing and broadcasting news, significantly reducing production costs and increasing immediacy (Parks & Lake, 2018). Major outlets like The Wall Street Journal and CNN now incorporate mobile journalism into their operations, leveraging apps and citizen contributions to gather content from the field (Molyneux & Holton, 2015).

Mobile journalism offers several advantages, including rapid real-time reporting, user-generated content, and broader audience engagement. However, it also presents notable challenges and responsibilities. Legally, journalists must navigate issues such as defamation, privacy invasion, and wiretapping. Ethically, they must consider moral implications, including respectful representation of sensitive groups and avoiding sensationalism. Social responsibility entails environmental stewardship, human rights advocacy, and social equity in reporting (Shoemaker & Reese, 2014). Risks include privacy violations, security threats, and psychological impacts on journalists and audiences alike.

The future of online communication and mobile journalism is poised for continuous evolution, driven by technological advances like 5G, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. These developments promise enhanced interactivity, immersive experiences, and personalized content delivery. However, they also necessitate a heightened sense of responsibility among content creators and consumers to combat misinformation and uphold ethical standards (Howard & Bradshaw, 2017). As digital platforms become more sophisticated, understanding their societal implications becomes increasingly critical.

In conclusion, online communication is a vital pillar of contemporary society, shaping human interactions, perceptions, and participation. Social media enhances connectivity and community engagement, while mobile journalism democratizes news production, offering both opportunities and challenges. Recognizing the responsibilities tied to these tools—legal, ethical, and social—is essential to harness their potential responsibly. As technology advances, ongoing awareness and regulation will be crucial to ensure that digital communication remains a force for positive societal change.

References

• Hudson, L. A., Haynes, J. A., & Williams, J. A. (2015). Online communication and social change. Journal of Digital Media & Policy, 6(4), 365-382.
• Kietzmann, J. H., Hermkens, K., McCarthy, I. P., & Silvestre, B. S. (2011). Social media? Get serious! Understanding the functional building blocks of social media. Business Horizons, 54(3), 241-251.
• Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59-68.
• Molyneux, L., & Holton, A. (2015). Branding (Health) Journalism: The Politics of Representation in a Social Media Age. Digital Journalism, 3(2), 225-243.
• Parks, M. R., & Lake, R. (2018). Mobile Journalism: A Complete Guide. Routledge.
• Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6.
• Shoemaker, P. J., & Reese, S. D. (2014). Mediating the Message: Theories of Influences on Mass Media Content. Routledge.
• Howard, A., & Bradshaw, S. (2017). The potential and pitfalls of technological innovation in journalism. Digital Journalism, 5(6), 696-713.