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1. Current mobile devices offer everything from ordering a pizza to playing video games to
doing your banking. Is having this consumer control and access a benefit or are we ceding some
control over to a few large media companies?
I believe that having access to certain content on are mobile phones are a benefit to the
consumer. “Mobile phones convey a sense of security in emergency situations while traveling
and intensify the nature of our social interactions” (Straubhaar, LaRose, Davenport, 2017, 11-
1d). Over time technology have changed drastically. At one point we all had to go into a banking
center, stand in line to deposit a check. From there we gained access to deposit a check into an
envelope at the ATM. ATMs can now read a check right away when deposited and most of the
time if the check is from the same bank you may have access to your funds right away. As of
today, all we have to do is take a picture of the check we want deposited. It still may take a day
or so before it clears but we never have to set foot inside a bank. I think it’s a great benefit for
those with busy lives and those that cannot drive or handicap. I think large banks also wins
because there is less traffic within the banking center. Overall, I think the consumer has the most
benefit.
2. How are today’s evolving media content and mobility options increasing or decrease the
quality and value of the media we have available to use as consumers?
Technology is not slowing down and compared to many countries the United States is lagging
behind. More and more companies are coming out with gadgets and content that will make life
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easier for the consumer in the home. For example, Alexa. Alexa has now been integrated within
cars to assist drivers while in motion. Today’s evolving media content mobility has increased the
quality and value of media to consumers. Not only do we just have “smartphones” now, we also
have wearable devices such as smart watches, that lets you access health info for yourself such as
a heart rate. We also have mobile speakers in our homes, such as apple and google home. Those
speaker devices have access to tons of information from the internet just by a consumer speaking
to it. We have many ways to access the internet with loads of information at our fingertips.
“The third screens on smartphones and tablets may surpass both the first (television) and second
(computer) screens at the center of commerce and culture in modern society” (Straubhaar,
LaRose, Davenport, 2017, 11-1e).
3. After viewing the trends shown in Laura Zalaznick's presentation "The Conscience of
TV" of 6 years ago, what trends, if any can you identify between media content and economic,
societal or social media trends in your life today? What parallels can you draw between
television content and the state of America?
Social Media trends that I can identify in my life today would be that, yes, I still love to watch
TV. Am I emotionally attached to it, No. I mostly enjoy it for the entertainment of reality TV.
Laura Zalaznick is right on track in her video with where we are in America today. There are a
lot more shows the match the way America feels, so people tend to watch those shows more. TV
has changed the way many people can express themselves that make them feel better, inside and
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out. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
References
Straubhaar, J., LaRose, R., & Davenport, L. (2017). Media now: Understanding media, culture
and technology (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN:9781305950849
