New Media And Social Changes Rohlinger Professor Of S

New Media And Social Changesyo4461dr Rohlingerprofessor Of Sociologye

Analyze the influence of new media on society, considering its impact on social institutions such as education, religion, politics, and health care. The assignment includes developing a research project with multiple components: a preliminary topic and annotated bibliography, a completed annotated bibliography, a paper outline, and a final 7 to 9-page research paper. Each phase must demonstrate scholarly research, proper sourcing, and conceptual integration. The final paper must be submitted before 8 pm on the Monday of finals week, incorporating analysis of how new media shapes social institutions, influences individual behavior, and reflects broader societal changes.

Paper For Above instruction

The advent of new media has profoundly reshaped the fabric of society, influencing social institutions, individual behavior, and cultural norms. This paper explores the multifaceted role that new media plays in contemporary society, emphasizing its impact on key social structures such as education, religion, politics, and health care. Through a comprehensive review of scholarly literature and empirical research, the paper aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which digital technologies facilitate, disrupt, and transform societal functions.

Introduction

The proliferation of new media—defined broadly to include websites, social media, mobile applications, and other digital platforms—has generated unprecedented opportunities for communication, information dissemination, and social interaction. This shift from traditional media forms, such as newspapers and television, to digital platforms has caused significant change across social institutions. Understanding these changes requires examining the ways in which new media influences individual engagement, institutional processes, and societal norms.

Theoretical Framework

Critical theories of media and communication suggest that new media reshape power dynamics, information flow, and identity formation. As Castells (2010) argues, we are in the era of the network society, where digital connectivity influences social, economic, and political processes. Similarly, McLuhan’s (1964) assertion that media act as extensions of human faculties remains relevant as digital tools extend our capacity for interaction. These frameworks provide a foundation for analyzing how new media impacts social institutions and cultural practices.

Impact on Education

Research indicates that new media has revolutionized education through the rise of online learning platforms, open educational resources, and social media-based collaboration. Hansen and Reich (2015) examined how Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) democratize access to knowledge but also highlight digital divides, including disparities in access and digital literacy (Goode, 2010). The integration of social media into classrooms fosters peer-to-peer learning and global connectivity, yet raises concerns about quality control and credentialing (Andrews et al., 2015). Thus, new media enhances educational opportunities but also presents challenges related to equity and quality.

Transformation of Religious Practices

Religious institutions have adapted to new media by establishing digital presence via websites, live streaming services, and social media channels. Schaap (2017) illustrates how religious reflexivity manifests online, enabling practitioners to seek spiritual meaning beyond physical congregations. Digital platforms facilitate virtual rituals and expand religious communities, fostering inclusivity. However, they also introduce issues of authenticity and commodification, as digital religiosity transforms traditional practices (Cann, 2013).

Political Engagement and Activism

The influence of new media on political processes is profound. Kreiss (2012) discusses how social media campaigns mobilize voters and shape public discourse. The 2008 Obama campaign exemplifies strategic online engagement to craft political narratives (Rohlinger & Bunnage, 2017). Social media provides platforms for activism, but also enables misinformation, bots, and polarization (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). The rise of digital celebrity politics further shifts power towards personalities with online influence, affecting democratic accountability and engagement (Street, 2019; Lalancette & Raynauld, 2019).

Influence on Health and Healthcare

In health care, new media supports health information dissemination, telemedicine, and patient engagement. Welser et al. (2019) highlight how online support communities provide social support, especially for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Conversely, the spread of misinformation about health practices and vaccines demonstrates the darker side of digital influence (Chou et al., 2017). The role of new media in shaping health behaviors underscores both its potential and risks for public health.

Social Inequality and Digital Divides

Despite its benefits, new media exacerbates social inequalities. Goode (2010) and Welser (2019) emphasize disparities in digital literacy and access, which can marginalize vulnerable populations. Rural communities, minorities, and those with disabilities often face barriers to digital participation, impacting their ability to benefit from the opportunities presented by new media (Ringland, 2017). Addressing these divides is critical to ensuring equitable social change and inclusion.

Concluding Remarks

New media's influence on social institutions has accelerated societal transformations, affecting how individuals learn, practice religion, participate politically, and access healthcare. While the digital age offers unparalleled opportunities for engagement and democratization, it also poses challenges related to inequality, misinformation, and authenticity. Future research must continue to explore these dynamics, with a focus on promoting inclusive and ethical media practices that benefit society at large.

References

• Castells, M. (2010). The Rise of the Network Society. Wiley-Blackwell.
• McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man. McGraw-Hill.
• Andrews, J., et al. (2015). The Role of Social Media in Higher Education. Journal of Educational Technology.
• Cann, C. (2013). Digital Legacy and Interaction. In Digital Legacies, pp. 92-105.
• Kreiss, D. (2012). Acting in the Public Sphere: The 2008 Obama Campaign’s Strategic Use of New Media. Research in Social Movements, Conflict, and Change, 33, 123-142.
• Rohlinger, D., & Bunnage, K. (2017). Social Media and Political Change. Social Media + Society, 3(2), 1-11.
• Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236.
• Schaap, J. (2017). Gods in the World of Warcraft. New Media & Society, 19(11), 1835-1850.
• Welser, H. T., Khan, M. L., & Dickard, M. (2019). Digital Remediation and Online Learning Communities. Information, Communication & Society, 22(5), 637-650.
• Goode, J. (2010). The Digital Identity Divide. New Media & Society, 12(3), 397-414.