The changes and developments in media technology in the past 15 – 20 years

Chloe Banks

Mobile phones

• Mobile phones have changed dramatically over the past 20 years as they have become more like personal computers. The obvious changes are the size, weight and the technology used.

• Mobile phones were invented so people could contact friends and family when they left the house. Mobiles now have apps where you can access social media, music and games. Most mobiles now have a camera and internet access, they are usually known as a smartphone.

• The processing speeds of mobiles have increased over the years which is why the price of phones have risen.

Computers

• Computers have changed over the past 15 to 20 years, they have become faster due to the change of the processors used. The dimensions of the monitors have changed, the weight of them has been reduced as the design is more sleek and stylish. The screen quality has improved as it now has a better quality of graphics.

Televisions

• Televisions are available in various sizes and definitions. The design and technology aspects have massively changed as you can now get smart TVs, 3D TVs, HDTV’s and curved TVs. Smart TVs have the ability to download apps and access the internet and the prices can range from hundreds to thousands. 3D TVs have the ability to get the picture from bouncing out the screen by wearing 3D glasses. The largest sized TV which will be available in the UK next spring, is 110’’ TV by Samsung.

Laptops

• Laptops have changed, they are less bulky and they have become lighter. Laptops are now available to purchase from most high street stores by various companies, such as Dell and Hewlett Packard (HP). Laptops have the capabilities of a computer but they are more lighter and efficient.

Newspapers

• Newspapers don’t live up to their name anymore as most people can read the news on their computers, laptops and mobile phones. Apps are available for mobile phones such as the Daily Mail.

• Newspapers influence many people and they don’t question what they read and are most likely to believe everything they have read.

Emails

• Emails are replacing letters as they are more efficient as the person you have sent the email, will receive it instantly. It reduces the chance of getting lost as it goes straight to the inbox of the persons email account.

Radio

• The radio has changed over the passed ten years as it can now be accessed on the internet and by downloading apps. The radio reception has also improved and some radio stations are more formal than others whereas some are more chatty. Radios can be listened to on the TV and on all devises that can access the internet or receive a radio signal.

• There are several types of radio;

National radio

Regional and Local radio – The Bay Radio

Satellite radio

Internet radio

Digital radio – the digital radio works by the transmission of a digital signal.

Analogue radio – the analogue radio works by the transmission of analogue signal.

Social Media

• Social Media sites is one of the largest ways of communication in the world today. The sites are used to raise awareness and to communicate with people all around the world. Facebook is one of the most popular social networking sites in the world, with 1.35 billion monthly active Facebook users. Due to the amount of people communicating online, this is starting to affect peoples communication skills.

• Social networking can have some devastating consequences as cyber-bullying is a huge issue as it can result to depression and suicide. More than a third of young people are affected by cyber-bullying and they don’t feel comfortable talking to people about it.

Conclusion

• To conclude, I think that the media has had a huge impact on society as most people have become reliant on having access to sites. Many people now find it socially awkward to talk to people face to face as it has become the norm to interact and communicate with people online. The media can influence peoples views and opinions on current and past events.

Bibliography

• http://www.browncollege.edu/student-life/blog/october-2013/5-different-types-of-radio-stations

• https://zephoria.com/social-media/top-15-valuable-facebook-statistics/

• http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/11/cyberbullying-more-than-third-young-people-targeted_n_1087706.html

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ocr_gateway/home_energy/data_transmissionrev1.shtml