Trajectory Of Digital Media: Evolution Of Digital Media




Source: What Mobile 


  


The article talks about the evolutionary journey of digital media and how it became a trend in journalism as well as a game changer for the media industry leading to a dynamic phase of journalism.


Over the years, there have been changing trends in journalism leading to upcoming new forms of media. One of the trends which is much into the current scenario is the 'trajectory of digital media ".  The term digital media itself defines what purpose it serves. The term digital means a representation of data through a series of digits whereas media refers to the broadcasting or communication of this data. Therefore, together the term digital media refers to the broadcasting of digitized information through a screen or a medium. 



Evolution of Digital Media


Before starting what purpose digital media serves as a 'changing trend' in journalism we first need to know how digital media came into being and how it evolved over some time. The very roots of digital media can be traced to when this term was a concept that began to be used in the late 20th century. The conceptual foundation dates back to the scientist and engineer  Vannevar Bush ( March 11, 1890 – June 28, 1974).


and his celebrated essay "As We, May Think" was published in the 'Atlantic Monthly' in the year 1945. Bush proposed a system of devices that would help engineers, doctors, historians, and others store information, communicate it and analyze it. Calling his then envisioned imaginary device Bush, termed it a "memex".


 Bush also describes his hypothetical device in his article "As we may think". Bush hoped that this proposed "memex" work would be carried out by scientists after World War 2. Although this essay by Bush predated the coming of digital computers long ago, his article laid out the intellectual and potential social benefits of digital media that made an umbrella framework for the World Wide Web, Wikipedia, and even Social media.


It was also recognized as a work of great importance during the time of its publication. 

Since its inception, the concept of digital media has been broadly used and is emerging as a form of new media in the field of journalism. Even small to small information, whether it's a 10-day weather forecast or places to visit during the summer season, has been shown or produced on social media and digital platforms. ( Example:- Instagram reels, News Apps like the mint, Indiatoday) etc. 



Digital Media:  Here's To It's Becoming The Upcoming Trend


Now let's see what role digital media play as an 'upcoming trend'. The very first and foremost role of digital media is that it facilitates better social interaction and empowers people. For example, distant family friends, and relatives can overcome overseas communication gaps with the coming of text-based messages through apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. 


Secondly, it also gives voice to people, increases their participation, and leads to the creation of parties. For example, increased civic participation is seen by people on humanitarian grounds when there's a conflict in the country. People extensively take part in protests and circulate messages all over the web with slogans like 'we are together in this' leading to the formation of digital communities. 


Thirdly, digital media is also changing how the work gets done, boosting productivity and making flexible working conditions for workers and employees. For example: with the coming of digitization, every data and Content that is created gets digitized. Thus, it gets easier for employees or workers to get the work done anytime and anywhere with ease and smoothness. 


Fourthly and lastly, it is also helping in facilitating education and learning of life-long skills to build a better skill and source it for future. For example, learning interpersonal communication and problem-solving techniques and literacy in information leads to higher participation in society. Moreover, there is an increased labor demand for such high-order skills. It also leads to being a more aware individual of society and helps a person to navigate better in future opportunities.



Conclusion


Conclusion in end that the shift of course of media has taken place over the years and that is very much seen in the present scenario. From just printing newspapers and broadcasting Asian games on Doordarshan channels to reading news articles from e- apps and watching short videos and clips on digital platforms whether, on education, health or crime there has been a deliberate change in the trends in journalism. These changing trends suggest that over some time there is an emergence of some or the other forms of new media that states very clearly that the field of journalism is very much dynamic in nature as well as in its practice.



Written by - Riya

Edited by - Kritika Sharma