How has the internet changed the way we interact with other media? Does the interactive nature of the internet force us to reevaluate our media theories, or do current theories also explain the way the i

How has the internet changed the way we interact with other media? Does the interactive nature of the internet force us to reevaluate our media theories, or do current theories also explain the way the internet affects society? Explain it in Chapter 5 “The Medium”.

How it has changed the way we Interact

The internet has changed the way we communicate on a global scale. In Wellman’s terms we have become “glocalized”. Before the internet, people were restricted to a social network that was just local to them including neighbours, friends and family members that were just a short distance away.

However, the internet has allowed people to maintain relationships that are both local and long distance. Nowadays, with the increase in smart phones and social media, we can now stay in touch with people wherever you are in the world.

And being able to stay in contact with friends and family on a global basis, has had a massive impact on the way people live. Today, people are much more likely to travel the world, and many are making the bold decision to book their international movers and live the expat lifestyle that they always dreamed- simply because not being able to keep in contact with friends and family is no longer a barrier to discourage them from travelling and living in a new location.

Today, we can stay in touch with people regardless of location – we no longer need to lose touch with those friends from school, or neighbours who move away – the internet has enabled us to keep friends for life whilst still make lots of new ones that are not just restricted to our local town.