As I sat in class last Tuesday and listened to my classmates report about print media, one of their questions really got me thinking: is print media still relevant these days given the advancements in digitization?
Every day new technologies are being developed and enhanced. The speed of technology development results to the fast turnover of gadgets. If a few months ago the iPhone 4 was the hottest gadget, now there is great buzz that there will already be an iPhone 5 in the upcoming months. After one thing is released, a new and better thing is most likely to replace it. What once use to be an analogue world of simple manual labour has now evolved into the fulfilment of our technological dreams of complex convenience.
Personally, I think print media is still very relevant these days. It’s a good alternative to the complex way of reading digitized news, articles, etc. Although I do highly support print media because of the very nostalgic feel its gives to reading, I think that is it very much threatened by the advancements in digitization which have been brought about by developments in technology. I believe that the allure of gadgets is what brought most people to switch to reading electronic news, e-magazines, and e-books. Asides from it being “cool”, reading digitized news and books is definitely more convenient. Instead of lugging around 3-4 books plus a pocket dictionary, one can have a sleek iPad that can contain so much more.
Despite all the appeal and convenience that digital writings have to offer, I still find old school print media tops. Nothing beats the comfort, routine, and experience that a book, newspaper, or magazine offers. Asides from the familiarity of print media, I think that it is still very relevant here in the Philippines because the print media industry and society are not as advanced as compared to other countries. The reality of the Philippines is that most people cannot afford to buy such gadgets so therefore the traditional modes of print media are the ones that fit society the most. Although there are significant moves towards creating and developing digitized print media here in the Philippines, I think traditional print media will still be strong and present within society due to the fact that it is more affordable.
Hmm. This got me thinking. For me who have access to internet, buying newspaper is like a waste of money. But for others who don't have internet access and couldn't afford to have one, buying newspaper is the way to go to be in the know. I guess that's digital divide for you.
TumugonBurahin"The reality of the Philippines is that most people cannot afford to buy such gadgets so therefore the traditional modes of print media are the ones that fit society the most. Although there are significant moves towards creating and developing digitized print media here in the Philippines, I think traditional print media will still be strong and present within society due to the fact that it is more affordable."
TumugonBurahinVery true. I agree with this and with Sheila's comment. Reflecting upon the issue at hand, I realize that the problems digitization pose in the industry of print media isn't really as scathing in our country as it may be in other contexts. The digital divide is very much real here in the Philippines and I think it's precisely that that will hinder a complete overtaking of a digital form of print media in our country.
Naalis ng may-ari ang komentong ito.
TumugonBurahin"Despite all the appeal and convenience that digital writings have to offer, I still find old school print media tops. Nothing beats the comfort, routine, and experience that a book, newspaper, or magazine offers."
TumugonBurahinI concur when you said these line regarding traditional media. I recall the time when I was reading a novel in a form of a paperback and later in another media through internet. What I found out is that I took me a longer time to read through paperback compare to digital form of media for one reason: eye sore. Studies show that its not advisable for a person to peruse on the internet compare to books due of health hazards.
- MJ Ramos
I agree - the digital divide is a very relevant issue in terms of the staying power of traditional print media. It is a reality that governs the way different families access their information. Libraries will still be very prevalent not just for the nostalgia of holding our print materials, but also for the easy access is provides to those who do not have the resources and ability to get them online.
TumugonBurahinI agree that the print media is still relevant. Everyday I get to hear my boss' wife asking her assistant, "Nasaan ang peryodiko?" or "Bakit nakalimutan mo nanaman bumili ng peryodiko?"
TumugonBurahinThat goes the same with my boss. He prefers the actual newspaper clippings over news articles from the internet. This makes me somewhat have a generalized view of all of them politicians. A lot of them are old men (and women -- Imelda! Hah), and their preferred choice must really be the newspapers, because that's what they have gotten used to.