What is the Next Media?

This brief blog entry ponders what our technological innovators will introduce next and how we barely stop to think about the impact of new technologies on our lives.

The year 2007 presents an interesting case in terms of media and technology. There is the widespread availability of Wi-Fi, even at McDonald's. There has been the release of the much-anticipated Apple iPhone. There has been an explosion of the social media culture.

This fresh wave of social media is perhaps the biggest development of the last few years. More people are signing up for different web sites like MySpace and Facebook. More people are joining Internet dating sites like Match.com and EHarmony. More people are blogging, writing articles, podcasting, and posting videos on sites like YouTube. Social culture is like the explosion of AOL over a decade ago.

All of this is happening so fast that our techno heads are spinning. Chances are that the technology developers have other great media ideas in the works. The drawback to rapid innovation is that just when something starts to catch on, something else will come out and attract attention.

There is also a drawback when you look at the social impacts of the new media. One example was discussed in the 10/8/07, edition of "People Magazine." In an interview, country music star, Faith Hill, opens up about how devastated she was when one Internet site, YouTube, played a clip over and over of her mouthing "What?" when Carrie Underwood won the CMA Best Female Vocalist of last year. Hill reveals that she thought about quitting. This is one isolated example about the effect of the social media on a music superstar. It is easier to see the effects like invasion of privacy and defamation of character on people like Faith Hill and Britney Spears.

It is harder to understand the effects of social media on our own lives. This type of reflection needs to occur. Before you sign up for a new media bandwagon, think about the impact it will have on your life, including your romantic relationships, your career, and your family. With each new web site, social media, or other technological invention, you give up a little bit more of your privacy.

What is next? Interactive video chat while you are in your car with random people around the globe? The mid-1990s movie "Demolition Man" starring Sylvester Stallone seems a bit more possible now.

Ask yourself: What is the next media and are you ready for it?