Introduction
This essay examines the influence of the internet and television as media platforms on my personal life, exploring why and how they impact me as a media studies student. Both mediums play a significant role in shaping information consumption, social interaction, and cultural perceptions in contemporary society. This analysis will define these mediums, assess the frequency and purpose of my engagement with them, and evaluate whether my consumption is active or passive. By drawing on academic sources and personal reflection, the essay aims to provide a broad understanding of their effects, while acknowledging the limitations of such self-assessment. The discussion will be structured into sections focusing on the characteristics of each medium, usage patterns, and their broader implications.
Characteristics of the Internet and Television as Mediums
The internet and television are distinct yet interconnected mediums that dominate modern media landscapes. The internet, as a digital platform, offers interactive, on-demand content through websites, social media, and streaming services. It is often described as a participatory medium, enabling users to create and share content (Jenkins, 2006). Conversely, television is traditionally a broadcast medium, delivering scheduled programming through linear channels, though its integration with digital platforms has blurred these boundaries (Lotz, 2014). Television typically fosters passive consumption, whereas the internet encourages active engagement, though this varies by context. Understanding these characteristics is essential to evaluating their influence on my daily life, as they shape how information and entertainment are accessed and internalised.
Frequency and Purpose of Usage
As a media studies student, my interaction with these mediums is frequent and multifaceted. I use the internet daily, spending approximately 4-5 hours on academic research, social networking, and entertainment via platforms like YouTube and Netflix. Its primary purpose is utilitarian—accessing scholarly articles through databases like JSTOR—but it also serves leisure, keeping me updated on global trends via Twitter or Reddit. Television, however, occupies less time, roughly 1-2 hours daily, mainly for news or series viewing. Its purpose is more recreational, offering a break from digital overwhelm, though I occasionally analyse content for coursework. This disparity in usage highlights the internet’s centrality in my routine, driven by its accessibility and versatility, while television remains a supplementary medium.
Active vs. Passive Consumption
My consumption patterns vary between active and passive engagement depending on the medium and context. On the internet, I often actively engage by commenting on posts, participating in forums, or curating playlists, aligning with Jenkins’ (2006) concept of participatory culture. However, I also passively scroll through feeds, absorbing content without interaction, particularly during downtime. Television consumption, by contrast, is predominantly passive; I rarely critique shows in real-time unless prompted by academic tasks. Indeed, as Lotz (2014) suggests, television often serves as background noise in today’s multi-screen environment, which resonates with my habit of watching while browsing online. This dual consumption arguably dilutes focus, raising questions about the depth of engagement with either medium.
Implications and Personal Impact
The influence of these mediums on me is profound, shaping my worldview, time management, and critical thinking. The internet, with its vast information pool, enhances my academic pursuits but risks information overload and distraction, as noted by Carr (2010), who argues digital media fragments attention. Television, though less dominant, influences my cultural perceptions through curated narratives, sometimes reinforcing stereotypes if consumed uncritically. Therefore, balancing engagement is crucial; active consumption fosters learning, while passive overuse may hinder productivity. Reflecting on this, I recognise the need to limit passive scrolling and prioritise intentional use of both mediums.
Conclusion
In summary, the internet and television significantly impact me through their accessibility, content diversity, and consumption modes. The internet dominates my daily life with frequent, often active engagement for academic and social purposes, while television serves a more passive, recreational role. This essay has highlighted the distinct characteristics of each medium, my usage patterns, and the active-passive dichotomy, supported by academic insights. The implications suggest a need for mindful consumption to mitigate distractions and enhance critical engagement. Ultimately, understanding these influences as a media studies student equips me to navigate the evolving media landscape with greater awareness, though further research into long-term psychological effects remains necessary.
References
- Carr, N. (2010) The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains. W.W. Norton & Company.
- Jenkins, H. (2006) Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York University Press.
- Lotz, A. D. (2014) The Television Will Be Revolutionized. 2nd edn. New York University Press.
