Traditional Media vs New Media

In “Defining and Locating Digital Rhetoric” by Douglas Eyman, he explains that new media is “an object of study that is subject to rhetorical theory and principles (pg. 55). New media is upgraded on many communication platforms through the internet. Eyman compares how New Media and Digital Rhetoric have many meanings and ways it can be understood by each person. This idea can be connected to many forms of multimedia such as websites, videos, social media, blogs, podcasts, etc.

New Media isn’t the same as “Traditional Media” since it can be used through more advanced technology and devices. For example, the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok, and Twitter follow this theory. This allows people to communicate in big groups and work together on the internet at anytime and anywhere. Below, I have defined the two forms of media and their approach as traditional media vs new media.

What is Traditional Media?

Traditional media is related to the communication before digital technology and the internet. There are two forms of traditional media: 

• Print media: magazines, newspapers, books, and flyers and billboards
• Broadcast media: radio and television

Traditional media allowed one way communication, the information is created by professionals in that field and viewed by the audience.

Traditional media is the main source of spreading the news, entertainment, and advertising for most of the modern history.

I think digital media has been ruling the world, but traditional media plays a big role in connecting with audiences and getting the message to the audience. 

In “Defining and Locating Digital Rhetoric” by Douglas Eyman defines traditional media as ways to communicate and express yourself way before digital technologies were introduced. The print media and broadcast media forms have created formats, structures, and distribution methods. This has played an important role in influencing the public conversations and spreading information.

What is New Media?

New media is related to the digital ways to communicate with others and entertain people that has been discovered through technology and the internet. There are various examples of online platforms such as websites, social media, blogs, podcasts, streaming services, and phone applications. New media stands out from traditional media forms such as television, print, and radio since it offers interactive engagement and instant access to information. 

In “Defining and Locating Digital Rhetoric” by Douglas Eyman, new media is defined as ways to communicate and express yourself that has emerged as the digital technologies are introduced to the world. There are many digital platforms such as social media, websites, podcasts, blogs, videos, interactive media, and other digital content.  New media uses many-to-many communication framework which allows increased interactivity and engagement among users. In contrast to traditional media, content is viewed passively. New media allows users to create, share, and engage with content instantly.

These platforms offer a variety of ways to express yourself such as allowing individuals and communities to communicate, work together, and co-create content in ways that haven’t been possible with traditional media. Traditional media vs new media has improved how users engage with content through communication and collaboration around the world.