THE IRONY OF NEW MEDIA

New media could be considered as the primary role in the digital era where it could heighten the identity and image of a company, brand or people and also presence on all digital media and platforms. New media allow public to engage with each other not just through the dissemination of news and information, but also through social networks.

The growing importance of new media is followed by the expansion of media channels and the audience fragmentation. It could be interdependent and interconnected, allowing public especially young minds to be open.

Moreover, the new media could help children to learn and gather information in a more fun way as this change the children thinking and ways of studying and social communication. But new media could easily affect children because they cannot differentiate or evaluate the content that they stumble upon (New media has hold on kids). This is where parents and adult need to observe and implement certain actions in order for children to have the access of information with boundaries.

I believe that new and younger generation or Gen-Y are the ones who will play the major role in our economy, social and politic of development and successful transformation. In order to harness the power of new media, it takes more than just setting up blog, Facebook, Twitter and more. It requires us to understand of how public opinion is shaped through online means and how the information, news and views are disseminated in cyberspace. (Oon Yeoh, 2008)

In the political sphere, politicians understood the importance of new media tools and strategies to reach changing audiences as people have increasingly use online media to obtain information or express their thoughts. For example, in the last election, blogging was used widely. But politicians now are urged to use the new media to regain voters for the coming general election. Thus this time around, Facebook and Twitter are expected to be very intense during campaign. There is a need for politicians to engage youths via the new media. (Vanes Devindran, 2011)

However, when half-truths, slander, lies and distortion of facts happened in the new media, there are still no strict actions against those involved in committing these responsible acts. We do not have any right to humiliate others to the extent of stir up conflict and inciting racial attitudes. Do not these people realize what cause and effect that could damage others directly or indirectly.

The new media has challenge the traditional media as time goes on, it becomes the channels of news to interact. ”People take sides, they read what they like and what they want to believe in.” (Joceline Tan, 2007)

MOHD ASYRAF BIN MOHD BUSTAMAN 2011804448

 References :

Joceline Tan, (August 5, 2007). Watch out, the new media is here. The Star Online, Retrieved Septemberl 20, 2012, from  http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2007/8/5/columnists/joceline/18497897&sec=Joceline

Vanes Devindran, (December 19, 2011). Taib wants state govt to exploit new media to get youths’ participation. The Star Online, Retrieved Septemberl 20, 2012, from  http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/19/sarawak/10121761&sec=sarawak

Oon Yeoh, (September 18, 2008). New Media more than blogs. The Star Online, Retrieved Septemberl 20, 2012, from  http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/18/focus/2054041&sec=focus