Media Multitasking

Technology has changed how users receive and process information.  Users of new technology engage in “media multitasking” with almost unlimited choices of digital media “demanding [their] attention” (Kolodzy, 2013, p. 4).  Users are increasingly using social media, with each platform having its own parameters.  For example, communicators who choose to utilize Twitter need to develop clear messages within the limits of 140 characters without compromising the information they want to provide to their audience.  Communicators who choose to utilize Facebook’s Newswire must write engaging posts that include multimedia to compete with the ongoing updates to its newsfeed.

 

Social media outlets create a unique type of competition among communication professionals.  Communication must be clear, concise, and appealing because a competitive source is just a mouse click away.  In order to engage users, communicators must understand how to utilize multimedia effectively alongside traditional writing.  Technology and user preferences in media continue to change.  Communicators must understand those changes and develop a skill set to meet user expectations.   

Click here for a video on Media Multitasking.

Sources:

           Kolodzy, J. (2013). Practicing Convergence Journalism. New York: Routledge.

           Media Multitasking. (2011, May). Retrieved from Communication Studies: http://www.communicationstudies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/media-multitasking.jpg

           Tiyo. (2011, October 6). Social Media - The evolution of communication technology. Retrieved from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsFKImk3bKA