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Unpacking Media Control and Privacy in the Digital Age: A Reflection

In reflecting on my initial post, 'Navigating Commercial Interests and Privacy in the Digital Age,' I now recognize the deeper complexities of media control, non-market production, and privacy, which reveal how commercial interests increasingly dominate the digital age. Gasher, Skinner, and Lorimer (2016) explore the effects of communication and democracy on media ownership and control in *Mass Communication in a Digital Age*. They question whether media organizations should serve corporate biases or uphold a social responsibility that benefits the public. The political economy framework reveals how media content is shaped by the economic and political interests of those funding production, as well as by government regulations, professional ethics, and profitability. This raises a critical question: Can media platforms operate with a business model that serves the public good while remaining profitable? And if so, what constitutes the "public good," especially in an era of media consolidation where giants like Google, Facebook, and Netflix dominate the market? 

While corporate interests dominate much of the media landscape, Benkler (2006) reveals an alternative path through non-market production, challenging the idea that content creation must serve profit-driven goals. This shift has led to the emergence of "coordinate effects," where the collective actions of diverse, uncoordinated individuals create a rich information environment. Benkler also highlights the rise of large-scale cooperative efforts, such as the peer production of software, knowledge, and culture. These efforts are exemplified by the growth of free and open-source software, collaborative projects like online encyclopedias, and other forms of digital culture that thrive outside traditional market systems.

Werbin (2014), in *Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication*, examines the growing tension between privacy and surveillance in the digital age. With the rise of networked communication technologies, surveillance has become pervasive, allowing governments, corporations, and institutions to monitor personal activities without physical intrusion. Werbin argues that privacy is not merely about secrecy but about maintaining control over one's life. This perspective challenges the commonly held belief that "if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." The increasing surveillance in the digital age raises concerns about autonomy and the potential misuse of personal information, as data is continuously collected and analyzed, often without individuals' explicit consent.

Reflecting on the original post, it becomes clear that it overlooks the broader implications of privacy loss beyond social media, missing a more comprehensive understanding of the digital age. Initially, I viewed privacy concerns as largely confined to social media. Still, I see them as symptomatic of a broader power imbalance in the digital age, where every action is potentially monetized. As artificial intelligence and data analytics advance, the question isn't just about who controls the media, but how these technologies might further entrench existing power structures, leaving less room for public good. While media platforms can shape societal norms and individual identities, they also risk reducing individuals to mere data points within a system driven by commercial interests. Moreover, audiences have gained more control over content, making it increasingly difficult to challenge the notion that "if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." As we navigate this increasingly digitized world, the challenge remains: how can we ensure that the digital landscape serves the public good rather than merely corporate interests?"

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My Canadian Identity in a Globalized Digital Age

My media use interacts with the notion of Canadian-ness or national belonging in a nuanced way. As a Canadian with Middle Eastern and South Asian heritage, I initially assumed that diversity was the cornerstone of my Canadian identity. Engaging with different cultures and discovering shared interests among people has deepened my understanding of our universal human needs. This connection helps me connect more effectively with the groups I aspire to be part of.

In the past, I actively sought Canadian TV shows to support local entertainment. However, the rise of video platforms and the abundance of content across various online channels have made it challenging to find quality Canadian content amidst the global offerings.

I've pivoted my focus towards supporting local businesses, particularly those that celebrate diversity and contribute to our collective Canadian identity. Community engagement, facilitated through social media, has been instrumental in this endeavor. Sharing my photography content online has not only expanded my network but also allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share our mutual interests.

Despite the benefits of global connectivity through social media, it has also made it harder to maintain a distinct sense of national belonging. While diversity remains a key aspect of Canadian identity, it is increasingly common in communities worldwide. This poses a challenge in defining national belonging in a digital age where our lives are deeply intertwined with online communities.

In essence, my media use reflects my ongoing exploration and understanding of Canadian-ness, navigating the complexities of diversity, connectivity, and evolving notions of national identity in a globalized world. 

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From Nostalgia to New Media

The concept of "traditional" media has undergone significant changes over the past few decades in comparison to what is now termed "new media." As a millennial, my experience with traditional media spans from print newspapers, hardcover books, and television to VHS tapes, radio, cassettes, computers, MP3 players, and CD players. This journey also includes digital platforms like AOL, Yahoo, Google, MSN, MySpace (which was popular at one point), Facebook, and numerous new social media platforms that I've lost track of and am unfamiliar with. For me, traditional media represents the evolution of technology, and millennials were among the first to embrace this new era, navigating uncertainties and learning to manage online platforms.

I've experienced both the nostalgia of being attached to physical objects and the obsession with online interactions like likes and pokes. Traditional media holds a special place in my heart—I spent hours creating mixtapes and burning CDs, and using DVRs eliminated the fear of missing out on TV shows. Creating personalized products was a labor of love. However, with new media, our recording methods have shifted, and skills like cursive writing and using pen and paper are becoming less relevant, even in educational settings.

While new media offers convenience, accessibility, interactivity, global reach, and real-time updates, I question whom these platforms truly benefit and whether they have a positive impact on our media consumption. The vast amount of data collected by companies doesn't seem to benefit us as individuals. I haven't personally seen compensation for the time I've spent assisting algorithms. Instead, the responsibility falls on us to manage our media intake, which feels ironic given that we live in a digital age where monitoring one's activity and avoiding overuse are emphasized.

Despite these concerns, I do appreciate the advantages of new media in terms of productivity, research, and knowledge acquisition. However, it has also blurred the line between reality and fantasy and shifted our priorities regarding what constitutes a genuine connection versus seeking external validation.

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My Journey as an Active and Passive Media Consumer

As a media consumer, I engage in various ways, including active participation, passive consumption, entertainment-seeking, information gathering, critical analysis, and occasionally, content creation.

Active engagement is straightforward, involving spending most of my time on platforms like Netflix or Instagram. However, I've recently realized that I also consume a significant amount of content passively. This includes listening to music while driving or studying, scrolling through social media while on a call, or even multitasking by watching shows while doing assignments.

Being a fan of movies and TV shows, I particularly enjoy consuming artistic content. I'm passionate about storytelling, direction, and the production processes behind films and shows. I often seek out content with deeper substance, recognizing that while films may have strong storylines, they can struggle to convey their message within the time constraints. Conversely, TV shows with simpler frameworks can excel in storytelling due to their extended runtime.

Moreover, media platforms have become hubs for all kinds of information, from trending topics to news, events, and more. These platforms consolidate much of our research and interests into one convenient space. For me, Instagram serves as a versatile platform where I can find inspiration for various topics like wedding vendors, henna designs, makeup tutorials, interior design, and much more.

Reflecting on my media consumption habits, I realize that I operate on both active and passive levels. Actively, I engage with shows/movies, interact on social media, and create photography content. Passively, I use music and social media for entertainment purposes. This leads me to ponder how technological advancements impact our brain activity and whether our constant need for stimulation is influenced by quick access to information with minimal wait times.

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Navigating Commercial Interests and Privacy in the Digital Age

Commercial interests play a significant role in shaping the media we consume. I remember a time when we had an ad-free environment tailored to our preferences. Initially, the appeal of online platforms drew us away from traditional media like television and radio because of the control they offered over user experiences. Online, we enjoyed uninterrupted experiences with minimal distractions, and we could even skip ads if they appeared, unlike on TV and radio where we had to patiently wait through commercials.

However, as online platforms evolved, they realized the importance of commercials for monetizing the entertainment industry. Sponsorships, brand marketing, and other forms of advertising became crucial. The internet transformed into a major business platform, providing marketers access to a vast consumer base, such as through platforms like Facebook.

Our online experience shifted when platforms like Facebook integrated ads into their services. This shift eventually led to the development of algorithms based on user data. Now, we see content on platforms like TikTok and Reels about influencing algorithms by mentioning specific words, although the validity of such claims is debatable, with many asserting that our phones don't actually listen to us. Nevertheless, it raises questions about why apps request access to features like our microphone and camera beyond their primary functionalities.

The issue of privacy extends beyond social media; companies like Google gather extensive information about us. Despite paying for devices and services, we often don't truly own them, as manufacturers retain rights and collect user data in exchange for "free" services. This practice applies to many electronics, as outlined in their terms and conditions.

Personally, I like to stay vigilant and educate myself about media ownership, advertising practices, monetization strategies, and brand influences. I carefully manage app permissions and background activities to safeguard my privacy. I'm diligent about adjusting my privacy settings on social media and staying informed about policy updates. Unfortunately, technological advancements sometimes come at the cost of our privacy, requiring us to be mindful consumers and protectors of our personal information.

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The Era of Media Convergence

Media convergence has significantly increased accessibility, making it easily accessible through various devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Technological advancements have enabled platforms to be linked. Essentially transforming them into compact versions of smartphones. Take Chromebooks, for example, which bridge the gap between laptops and tablets. They offer the flexibility to bend and use the screen like an iPad, and instead of traditional desktop files, they utilize apps from the Google Store, resembling a smartphone experience.

In the past, Microsoft products were free, but now Google Drive offers similar options like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, accessible online via Wi-Fi or mobile networks with adequate bandwidth. This shift has reduced concerns about losing files or encountering technical issues like the blue screen. This organized convergence is largely facilitated by cloud storage, offering a seamless experience across different devices.

Like many others, I heavily rely on my smartphone, treating it as an extension of myself. However, integrating a Chromebook into my routine led me to use my laptop more frequently, reducing screen time on my smartphone to avoid potential hand strain. This transition was convenient, as the laptop's apps like text and WhatsApp could be linked to my phone, allowing me to continue conversations seamlessly while enjoying media on platforms like Netflix.

Overall, media convergence has made my media usage more convenient and accessible. How has it impacted your media habits?