Assignment - Media Evolution Analysis
Assignment details: Following our lectures and discussions in class, choose one media technology or phenomenon and research its historical trajectory. In particular, you should focus on how algorithmic technologies contributed to its evolution. In the paper, you will use theories and insights from the course and beyond to describe the processes through which the technology emerged as "new" and/ or became "old."
In this paper you must (not in this specific order):
1. Pick a topic. Possible topics encompass any media technology or phenomenon, such as for example:
- a set of technologies, i.e. digital TV or social media in general
- a specific technology or service, i.e. Musical.ly or iPhone
- a media-based phenomenon, i.e. memes or music piracy
- an emerging technology, i.e. augmented reality, or an old one, i.e. radio.
2. Quickly describe the medium or phenomenon you have chosen. Do not assume your readers know about it but rather provide basic background, historical and technological details, etc.
3. Address one or more research questions, such as:
- how the technology came to be seen as new
- which problems or tensions characterized its adoption within a society
- mismatches between intended uses and concrete practices once adopted
- relation between this technology and older media
- how it became new again through new uses and practices
- etc.
You do not need to touch upon all the above areas but can select any one or any combination of them as long as algorithms are part of the picture.
4. Highlight the general significance of your technology or phenomenon: does your analysis allow to say something about new (or old) media in general? Does it contradict theories we discussed in class? Is the medium part of a broader transformation of our media environment? What is its significance in social, political, or historical terms? Etc. Be creative and try to use this part to link your research with media theory or broader political and societal issues related to media.
5. Provide a short research bibliography (3 to 6 sources) which should be mostly academic (journal articles, books, reports, etc.) but can include journalistic sources. You can use readings from the coursepack but should also conduct your own research. Reference your sources with any academic reference style as long as it is coherent and clear.