Anne Wysocki's article, What Do Technical Communicators Need to Know about New Media was very interesting. Everyday I use my computer, my laptop, watch tv, etc...but I really never give thought to how it is going to adjust with the changing times and technology. Facebook, websites, and even books are updated, with just a few changes, but are still different. And, as users, we expect updates. Technical communicators have to ask themselves rhetorical questions to understand their audience and make sure that their messages are clear.
I really like how she drew attention to all the advantages that media gives us as far as communicating. Print used to be the only thing that we could use, but now, we are able to send and receive messages instantaneously. We can email files instead of mailing and keep up with events across the world through internet. But one question struck me as I read this, where is media headed? In the beginning of the article, Wysocki describes a future where the virtual world is nearly real. Devices are worn to maintain interactivity with an alternate world. I began to wonder, will we really ever reach that point? Will we let ourselves reach that point? I know it really doesn't pertain to the article, but it just made me think.
Another interesting point that she brings up is the educational portion of gaming. I can understand her viewpoint with her supporting details and citations. And I do agree with her argument, but,it also made me wonder a few things. Like why do we have to stimulate ourselves all the time, just in order to learn something. And what will the long term effects of constant stimulation be if we continue to subject ourselves to media in all its forms? As great as media stimulation can be to help us learn, humans have been able to learn the same things without media for a long time.
Overall, I enjoyed this article because it brought up several important points that I think are important to analyze and reflect upon. I liked the questions that were asked for the new median and, tools, and audience. I think they began the reflection upon what new media is doing, and as far as the audience, covered the main points that are critical.
It is true that we have a lot of advantages with all the new media that is available to us. I also think you have some great questions about being constantly stimulated with new media. I know that right now I'm am tried of being stimulated by technology. I wish I could get away for a week and have a technology fast.
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