Instruction
Primary Post Discussion Questions (Part 1—answer all six questions):
1) Offer what Benjamin Peters calls an "elevator pitch introduction" to define 'new media' (15). This is a 75-word (approximately) 30-second definition of your own of the term 'new media' that is easily graspable by a reasonably intelligent person not in our course. Despite being brief, the definition of 'new media' should be clear and compelling. When you're deriving or gleaning aspects of your elevator pitch of a definition of 'new media' from the readings assigned this week or from other sources, be sure to cite those sources. You are required to offer a definition, of approximately 75-words, of 'new media' in answer to this question.
2) In what ways can mobile devices be seen as evolving or in transition along the path of earlier technological developments? Refer to Farman and at least one other reading as you engage with this question.
3) What do you take to be the chief differences between what would today be referred to as 'new media' and media that preceded it historically? Refer to Peters and cite specific page numbers as you respond with your answer to this question.
4) Select an unexpected, unusual, or outmoded 'new media' artifact and use one of the readings from this week to defend its status as 'new media.'
5) Choose an historical antecedent or an old 'new media' that caused a moral panic and review what everyday activities it was used for and what is similar and what is different to 'new media' that is popular in the present moment? Do you have examples from your own family, either memories of grandparents or historical artifacts (45 RPM records or radio, for example)? Cite specific passages from at least two of the assigned readings as you engage with this question.
6) In what ways do new media devices or new technologies impact our communication practices, networks of affiliation, and daily activities, as well as our larger social arrangements, cultural practices, and our hopes and fears regarding technology and/or the human condition? Refer to at least two assigned readings and your personal experience as you respond to this question.