Lecture 2 Notes and references to Lister et al

A few Bullets Notes on aspects of the lecture notes:

Personally between the choice of whether or not technology can be seen as a force for change in society which is outside society’s control and therefore similar to a ‘force of nature’ and the point of view that technology is merely the product of societies -with all the historical and political contingency that suggests. I believe that the truth lies heavily with the fact that technology is a product of society, it is certainly a force of change and rather something that can be controlled. I think the argument of “socio-determinism” (technology as the outcome of social forces such as capitalistic profit and dominant social groups’ control of resources, distribution and marketing.) is one of great strength and could be easily argued as a sole factor in the development New media.


In reference to Lister et al' s ' New textual Experiences' such as new kinds of genre, entertainment, pleasure and patterns of media consumption (computer games, hypertexts) and also the ability of immersion in virtual environments are good examples of the development of technology and the role it plays in society.


I found Everett Rogers argument, being able to respond to messages, being involved in feedback processes, is itself not significant as a basis to claim that new media are distinctive, quite intriguing. Suggesting that this form of interactivity is not significant if compared to the tradition face to face or telephone communication, as these forms of communication are lot more affective and produce better results.

Lister states that interactivity at an ideological level is one of a key 'added value' meaning it is a more powerful sense of user engagement with media texts than old media that merely offered passive consumption. I think this draws on the ideas of “socio-determinism” (technology as the outcome of social forces such as capitalistic profit and dominant social groups’ control of resources, distribution and marketing.) again. As the market continues to offer endless possibilities and allow individuals to make more lifestyle choices. Feeding into this method of maximizing consumer choice.

I quite liked the reference to websites being like magazines. Stating the Web may be like a big chain of interlinked magazine, may help to give further understanding of the Internet.

Livingstone refers to the, multimedia text, hypertextuality, anarchy and synchronous communication involved in using the Internet helping to add argument of how interactive the Internet is as part as of this generations New media. This involves the availability of instant chat and also emails.

Choice Hypertext further argues my opinion for the Internet being a great opportunity to learn and educate yourself. As hyperlink often provide you with the choice to go to another website to give meaning or more information on a particular word or subject.