yummilan

[yummilan]

Reflection on “How does my media use interact with a notion of Canadian-ness or national belonging?”

In exploring how my media use interacts with notions of Canadian-ness and national belonging, I find that my experiences resonate deeply with the ideas presented in the readings. Each resource offers insights into the complexities of communication, cultural interpretation, and the digital landscape that inform my engagement with media.

Firstly, the isolation of consciousness, as discussed by Peters, underlines the unique relationship we have with our own experiences (Peters. 1999. p1-4). Our sensory perceptions are intrinsically private, leading to inherent communication challenges. This notion echoes in my media practices, where I strive to share my Canadian identity while acknowledging that my perspective is just one among many. The concept of communication as both a bridge and a chasm emphasize that while social media platforms enable me to share Canadian cultural narratives, they also present the challenge of ensuring that my message resonates with a diverse audience.  This duality compels me to be mindful of how my media content is crafted, aiming to foster understanding and connection despite our individual experiences.

The readings by Stuart Hall in Practices of looking: An introduction to visual culture further illuminate this complexity, particularly regarding oppositional readings of popular culture (Sturken & Cartwright. 2018. p56-61). Hall’s discussion on dominant, negotiated, and oppositional readings offers a framework for understanding how audiences interact with media. In my efforts to promote Canadian art and culture, I am aware that viewers may interpret my content in ways that diverge from my intended messages. This dynamic raises questions about power and representation: Who controls the narratives we present, and whose interpretations matter? Engaging with these questions encourages me to consider the diverse backgrounds of my audience, fostering a richer dialogue around Canadian identity that acknowledges varying interpretations.

For instance, when I coordinate events that showcase Canadian artistic contributions, I aim not only to present our culture but also to invite feedback and interpretations from international partners. This approach embodies Hall’s idea of negotiation, where viewers actively engage with and reinterpret the cultural texts they encounter. By creating an interactive space for cultural exchange, I can promote a sense of national belonging that transcends geographic boundaries.  The feedback from global audiences informs my understanding of Canadian-ness, enabling me to adapt and evolve my media practices in response to diverse perspectives.

Boyd and Ellison highlight the proliferation of social networking sites (SNSs) and their impact on cultural engagement (Boyd & Ellison. 2007). As I utilize platforms like QQ and Email to coordinate exhibitions, I recognize that these digital tools fundamentally alter how we connect with others. SNSs, as described in the reading, emphasize personal networks over fixed group identities, aligning closely with my experiences. By leveraging these platforms, I can present a multifaceted view of Canadian culture, allowing audiences to engage with the artistic narratives I curate.  This aligns with the idea that social networks are structured around individuals, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and collaboration.

Moreover, the concept of appropriation in media, as discussed in Practices of looking: An introduction to visual culture, resonates with my practices of showcasing diverse artistic expressions. When collaborating with artists from various backgrounds, I recognize the importance of adapting and reinterpreting cultural symbols to foster inclusivity. This act of appropriation allows for a reconfiguration of meanings, enabling us to create a more nuanced narrative around Canadian identity that reflects the richness of our multicultural society. As we share our creative endeavors with international audiences, we contribute to a global conversation that challenges dominant narratives and highlights the value of diversity.

As I continue to navigate this digital landscape, I am motivated to explore new ways of presenting and celebrating Canadian culture. The future of my media use lies in expanding these collaborative efforts, fostering a sense of belonging that is both local and global. By prioritizing cultural exchange and inclusivity, I can contribute to a vibrant online community that values creativity and fosters understanding across borders.

[yummilan]

How does my media use interact with a notion of Canadian-ness or national belonging?

My use of media intersects with notions of Canadianness and national belonging by showcasing my Canadian identity, cultural values and creative endeavors on a global platform. This interaction is exemplified in my July 28, 2024 event from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. I actively manage QQ and Email to coordinate animated exhibitions and studio events that showcase Canadian artistic contributions and promote cultural exchange in a diverse digital environment.

Above all, social media platforms allow me to promote the Canadian identity and cultural values of our photography studio to an international audience. By communicating with global partners and clients, we showcase Canadian creativity, professionalism and cultural diversity through digital content creation, collaborative projects and creative partnerships.

Secondly, my use of media promotes cultural exchange and community engagement between Canadian and international audiences, fostering a sense of national pride and belonging in a globalized digital environment. Cross-cultural artistic collaborations were fostered and contributed to the global conversation about creativity, innovation and cultural diversity.

In addition, digital platforms amplify Canadian voices and perspectives on global issues and promote inclusiveness, diversity and cultural understanding in digital communities.  We have plans to discover more ways to present culture and showcase it on digital platforms in the future. By utilizing digital tools and platforms, I contribute to a vibrant online community that values creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange.

In addition, my media support and collaborations with artists and creators from various countries to showcase the diversity of art we are seeing in Canada right now promotes cultural intersections and understanding, while contributing to global artistic discourse and creativity.

[yummilan]

How is my experience of traditional media different from your experience with new media?

My experience with traditional media is very different from my experience with new media platforms. New media platforms are characterized by interactivity, personalized content, and immersive experiences. This contrast is exemplified in my July 24, 2024 event from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., where I was passively listening to movie reviews on YouTube while running, which illustrates the unique attributes and transformative impact of new media compared to traditional media.

First, new media platforms like YouTube offer personalized content recommendations and interactive features that cater to individual preferences and viewing habits. My browsing habits and interest preferences are recorded and I receive specific content pushes. In a passive session on YouTube, I accessed a selection of movie reviews and analysis tailored to my interests, enhancing my viewing experience and facilitating a deeper engagement with movie reviews and storytelling techniques.

Secondly, new media platforms focus on user participation so that viewers can actively participate in community discussions. On YouTube, for example, creators and viewers can share their thoughts and ideas through video. This not only enriches the content, but also allows people around the globe to communicate and create across regions. Viewers can comment, like and share videos to interact with creators and increase community engagement. In this way, users are not only viewers of content, but also creators and distributors of content, making the platform more colorful.

In addition, new media platforms greatly facilitate real-time interaction and user engagement through live streaming, interactive narratives and social media integration. Unlike the one-way, static broadcast model of traditional media, these features allow users to be more connected, give instant feedback and co-create content. Meanwhile, new media platforms allow users to consume content anywhere, anytime, and on any device, increasing flexibility and convenience. By using digital tools such as YouTube, users can customize their viewing experience, explore specific topics of interest, and engage in global conversations. This is regardless of geographical location or time.

In summary, my experience of traditional media differs from my experience of new media in terms of interactivity, personalized content consumption, engagement, and technological convergence. These differences emphasize the significant impact of digital platforms in changing media consumption habits, facilitating community interaction, and promoting diverse content creation in a dynamically interconnected digital environment.

[yummilan]

What is my role as a media audience member?

I play an active role in content creation and engagement across digital platforms as a media audience member.  This dual role is exemplified through my activities on July 27, 2024, from 6:00 am to 6:25 am. To demonstrate my contribution to digital content creation, I actively engaged with TikTok to monitor live traffic trends and post videos.

First, as a consumer, I actively seek out and consume content that matches my interests and preferences. I'm exposed to a wide variety of content on platforms like TikTok, which pushes content based on my web data.

Secondly, as a studio partner, we're not just passively consumers, we actively seek out and watch content that is relevant to our industry and inspires our creativity. On platforms like TikTok, we have easy access to a variety of content, from the latest trends in fashion photography to creative inspiration videos. This active viewing allows us to stay up-to-date and keep up with the latest industry trends, as well as expand our horizons, stay connected to the global photography community and share our creativity and techniques. By participating in discussions and sharing, we are not only able to enhance our professional skills, but also build a wider industry network, which is vital for our photography studio.

In addition, my role as a media viewer is linked to the assessment of media content. I will assess videos or posts for credibility or ethical standards. Platforms like TikTok enable users to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and contribute to the appearance of better-quality content.

In conclusion, my role as a media audience member encompasses active consumption, content creation, community engagement, and critical participation across digital platforms. This dual role promotes digital literacy, fosters community interaction, and contributes to collective knowledge sharing within a diverse and interconnected digital landscape.

[yummilan]

How have commercial interests (e.g., media ownership, advertising) influenced my media use and experience?

My media use and experience across digital platforms is shaped heavily by commercial interests, as illustrated by my activities on July 23, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. During this hour, I actively engaged with Instagram and TaoBao to seek advice and purchase new furniture for our photography studio setup. This highlighted the influence of media ownership and advertising on consumer behavior.

Commercial interests influence media usage by strategically targeting consumers through advertising and content placement. Taobao's personalized recommendations and sponsored posts influenced my purchasing decision, guiding me to furniture that met the aesthetic and functional requirements of our studio. Targeted advertising strategies utilize consumer data and preferences to promote products that cater to specific segments.

As a result of media ownership, I am influenced by platform design, content management and user interaction when interacting with media. Users can upload and share their own photos and videos, showcasing their experiences with products and personal stories. Users can also use hashtags and topics to participate in broader discussions and community events, increasing the visibility of their content. This promotes the probability of product discovery on platforms such as Instagram, making consumption patterns less passive. As a result of media ownership, I am influenced by platform design, content management and user interaction when interacting with media. Users can upload and share their own photos and videos, showcasing their experiences with products and personal stories. Users can also use hashtags and topics to participate in broader discussions and community events, increasing the visibility of their content. This promotes the probability of product discovery on platforms such as Instagram, making consumption patterns less passive.

Furthermore, commercial interests drive innovation and technological advancements in digital media platforms, enhancing user experience and platform capabilities. Functions such as augmented reality (AR) shopping and intelligent product recognition on Taobao transform passive browsing into an immersive shopping experience, helping users make purchasing decisions and improving user satisfaction.

In conclusion, commercial interests profoundly influence my media use and experience by shaping advertising strategies, platform design, and consumer interactions across digital platforms. These influences enhance user engagement, facilitate personalized experiences, and drive consumer behavior through targeted marketing and strategic partnerships.

[yummilan]

How has media convergence impacted my media use?

Media convergence has fundamentally transformed how I engage with and utilize digital platforms, particularly evident through my activities on July 22, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 1:35 pm. During this period, I actively utilized QQ, WeChat, and TikTok to operate and promote the photography studio that my friend and I established. This session exemplifies the profound impact of media convergence on my media use by integrating multiple functions into a cohesive digital strategy.

Through media convergence, communication and marketing efforts can be integrated into a unified Internet system to increase efficiency and productivity. By using QQ and WeChat, I can coordinate with my business partners in real time while analyzing and evaluating promotional content created on TikTok. I can also run campaign promotions and advertisements at the same time without switching platforms or devices. This streamlined approach saves time and optimizes usage, allowing me to focus more on creative efforts and customer interactions.

Media convergence utilizes different platforms to extend reach and increase audience engagement. Promoting our photography studio on TikTok was able to attract a diverse audience for visual content and creative services. By providing instant feedback and community engagement through likes and comments and launching challenge campaigns, TikTok's interactivity significantly enhances brand awareness, in contrast to the one-way communication of traditional media.

In addition, media convergence has allowed small studios like ours to utilize digital tools and platforms to become more competitive. Through QQ and WeChat, which are popular among Chinese Canadians and international users, we are able to showcase our identity and cultural values to a global audience, and in particular, attract the attention and participation of the international student community. These platforms provide a global stage for us to effectively communicate and promote our ideas and services across geographical and linguistic boundaries.

In conclusion, media convergence has revolutionized my media use by integrating communication, marketing, and creative processes into a cohesive digital strategy. This integration enhances efficiency, expands audience reach, and fosters engagement.