According
to Raessens, (2005), participatory media is any form of media, which is a
precise alternative for interactivity to characterize not only computer games
but also the media culture that has formed around them. He cleverly notes the
view that participatory media is not a new concept, and is also not a concept
that centers around just computer games. He states that ‘radio, film and
television, for example, each have their own versions of this concept.’
(Raessens, J, 2005). In stating this, Raessens is implying that participatory
media culture varies with each form of media, and does not relate strictly to
only computer games.
In
regards to this week’s topic, the non-game participatory media culture that I
chose to demonstrate is my use of Instagram, particularly linked with Raessens’
element of connectivity. In regards to connectivity, Raessens (2005) observes
that connectivity allows the ‘ability to exchange ideas and knowledge amongst
each other via the Internet (pg 374). Reading this encouraged me to consider
the topic of Instagram, and how I use Instagram on a daily basis in order to
connect to those who are connected with me via this application.
Image source: www.emtel.com
Instagram is a mobile application that
encourages the use of photo and video sharing throughout users. It allows a
user to take a picture and edit it using the variety of filters that the
application has available, before instantly sharing it on the Instagram
network. As well as sharing it on the Instagram network, this application
encourages the images to be shared on other social networks also, including
Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Foursquare. This demonstrates the idea of connectivity
as outlined by Raessens (2005), as the opportunity to connect and share with
others is exactly what Instagram offers, and is what all users participate in
when they are connecting via the Instagram application.
Instagram is something that I use regularly
every day. It allows for me to connect with practically anybody in the world
who has the Instagram application and uses it on a regular basis also. I
interact with other users by liking and commenting on their content, following
various other people and creating and using hashtags on my photo in order for
other people to connect with my content.
Image source: www.zdnet.com
Sources:
Raessens, J (2005) ‘Computer games as a
participatory media culture’ Handbook of Computer Game Studies, MIT Press,
Cambridge, Mass, pp. 373-388
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteYou start your piece really well with a quote from Raessens work which sets the tone of the piece to come. I like the way you used Instagram because it appealed to you personally and then you continued by discussing your involvement with it. The pictures break up your article well and they are placed in good positions, however you could have used a video or a link to show some more stuff off. Overall great work, keep it up!
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI dont personally use instagram so reading your post was very informative. I like that you chose something more "close to home" so that it had a more personal feel. The images, scholarly references and personal experiences were all really well integrated! I was really impressed (:
Well done!