We often think of technology as just a tool, something simple and neutral that delivers information without changing it. However, that idea is misleading. In “McLuhan and Media’s Messages,” J. D. Applen builds on the ideas of Marshall McLuhan, who famously argued that “the medium is the message,” meaning that the way information is delivered matters just as much as the content itself. This concept is especially important today, where digital media and platforms are part of everyday life. Because of this, it becomes clear that media and platforms shape knowledge in powerful ways that are often overlooked.
The Medium Shapes the Message
A printed book, for example, encourages focus and deep thinking, while social media posts promote quick reactions and short attention spans. This difference may seem small at first, but over time it changes how people process information. Applen explains that media are not passive tools; instead, they guide attention and influence interpretation. They highlight certain ideas while minimizing others, which can shift meaning without users even noticing. For instance, the fast-paced nature of scrolling through content encourages surface-level engagement rather than deeper reflection. People move quickly from one post to the next, rarely stopping to think critically. As a result, the structure of the medium begins to shape habits of thought. This reinforces the idea that media and platforms shape knowledge, not only through the content they present but through the way they train users to interact with information.
What Is a Platform—and Why It Matters
A platform is more than just a digital tool; it is a structured system that organizes interaction and controls the flow of information. Platforms determine how users connect, what content is shared, and which ideas gain visibility. This structure is not accidental but intentionally designed, often with goals such as increasing engagement or generating profit. According to readings like What Is a Platform, Anyway? and The Politics of Platforms, these systems are not neutral spaces. Instead, they prioritize certain voices, amplify specific types of content, and shape user behavior through algorithms and design choices. For example, users do not see all available content; they see what the platform selects for them based on data and engagement patterns. This creates a filtered version of reality that can influence opinions and beliefs. Because of this, platforms hold significant social and political power.
Platforms and Education: Changing How We Learn
The influence of platforms extends into education, where digital tools are transforming how students learn and how teachers teach. Online learning systems, educational apps, and virtual classrooms provide greater access and flexibility, making it easier for students to engage with material from anywhere. However, these benefits also come with limitations. Many platforms emphasize efficiency, tracking, and completion, which can shift the focus away from deep understanding and critical thinking. Students may prioritize finishing assignments quickly rather than fully engaging with the content, while teachers may feel restricted by the platform’s structure. This can reduce creativity and limit meaningful interaction. This directly connects to McLuhan’s idea, showing that the medium of education matters as much as the material being taught. In this way, media and platforms shape knowledge within academic environments as well.
Technology plays a central role in modern life, but it is not as neutral as it may seem. From communication to education, media and platforms actively influence how information is shared, interpreted, and understood. The readings demonstrate that these systems are designed with specific purposes, and those purposes shape user experiences in significant ways.
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