Thinking and Writing about Digital Media

Pleasure

            There are many forms of media I utilize and consume to find joy, pleasure, happiness, and contentment. Movies, tv shows, video games, music, social media, and theatre are all forms of creativity that I use to de-stress, connect with others, and have fun. I often watch movies and tv shows or play games with others in social settings. Through these activities, I am able to enjoy a story with others and talk with my friends. These forms of media are enjoyable because the story lines and characters. There is also nostalgia associated with different movies or games. Music and theatre help me feel emotions and help me find joy in life. Social media allows me to connect with friends. Also, creating music, theatre, and art bring me pleasure. “Men are that they might have joy” and I believe these forms of media were put on the earth to help accomplish this goal.

Provide Information

            As a student, both in school and in life, I consume great amounts of media in order to learn. Many classes require readings and videos that come in different formats: textbooks, novels, YouTube videos, TED talks, and scientific studies. As a theatre artist, I watch theatre as a form of research to improve my craft as a critic, director, actor, and designer. Theatre contains many forms of media that add to the experience: lights, set, costumes, makeup, music, sound effects, playbills, projections, and the performance of the actors. To enhance my theatre creation, I have read many scripts and articles, watched videos, researched philosophies and historical events, and looked for different forms of inspiration. I’m interested in personal growth and I’ve read self-improvement books and watched videos from sociologists.

Services

            Email has become a tool I use to communicate with professionals, colleagues, and businesses. I use social media to inform and advertise to friends and family about performances I am associated with. I’ve also used social media to communicate with casts and crews of plays I am involved in. Texting can be used to remind my sister about my mom’s birthday or to ask my stage manager to send out an email to the cast.

Pervasive Media

            I use the term pervading to describe the media I consume that I did not seek out. This includes the myriad of advertisements that are constantly present on social media, YouTube, movie previews, product placement, and name brands on products. We all consume great amounts of commercialized media every day.

Personal Guidelines

            I have to be careful when I use media for pleasure. Sometimes, I use it to numb out problems and emotions, which can be detrimental because the problems do not go away, they just become hidden. Another guideline is consuming media that improves my emotional, mental, and spiritual health. There can be great good and great evil in media. Finally, I try to create media that is meaningful to myself and others.

Media for Teachers/Students

            Teachers can use media to engage students and appeal to their interests. Additionally, media supports concepts you are teaching by drawing upon the voices of professionals. Students can easily allow media to distract them from their studies, but they can also use it to support their learning.