Varieties of New Media (Chapters 34-51 & Appendix 2)

The most interesting part of these chapters was the section on the Internet and World Wide Web.  I believe kids of this generation take the computer for granted. When I was younger in school, we had to go to the library to do research. We couldn’t just sit in front of a computer and do research that way. I’m not sure if kids these days even know what the library is.

The Internet and World Wide Web is a very important part of modern life. The Internet is so much more than just an “information superhighway.” The Internet is used for a variety of different things. People can find almost anything on the Internet. So, I ask myself, how has the Internet helped me? For me, it has changed my shopping habits. I have always hated going to the mall, driving around for about 20 min. to find a parking spot, only to go into the crowded mall and then have to wait on a long line. Now, with the Internet I can easily go online and do my shopping. There are also more options to choose from online than in the store. The Internet has also helped me get jobs. When I was growing up I had to fill out the job applications on paper and either mail it in or go into the business and hand-deliver it. The Internet has made it SO much easier to apply for a job.

The Internet has impacted the business community. Websites have increased the sales of businesses and it is a great way for a new business to advertise. The Internet has also become a medium for artistic expression. I just learned about The Net Art Museum is a gallery of artists internet projects. This is a fantastic idea for artists who want to share their artwork globally.

Along with everything I mentioned, the Internet is a platform for people to be more social. With websites like, Twitter, Facebook, Meetup, and many many others, people have a way of connecting with other people. It can be used to stay in contact with family members, or connect with people out of the state/country or just being able to meet new people. There are so many possibilities with the Internet, it is quite fascinating.