I am not certain that new media can change the world. It surely can inspire the world to change itself, but, most likely not change the world. That would place too much of an expectation on media. And, media just isn't that revolutionary. I think educating with media is a reasonable goal--this can be done tenfold with today's media. But, there still has to be a genuine intest to serve and educate the people, instead of using marketable media to get someone to buy your ice-cream, or car, or household products.
In the recent years, we've come to be more aware of our impact on the environment. In effect, there has been an overwhelming media response, seeking to educate us on the dangers of global warming. Videos and games have proliferated focusing on the subject, and both forms educate much differently. Games have the capacity to educate (I suppose), but are still just games. It seems kind of naive to think that simple games can have such a great effect. Isn't it counterintuitive to assume that an online game, which has to be electronically played to educate us, can and will change the world by informing us of global warming? Everybody power up your computers and get online! Let's fight global warming! Whattttt!!! This is unreal. To me, it seems very elementary, and I think the idea is kind of gimmicky. Give me a documentary film any day, just keep your games away.
I think you make a good point about the electricity used to power global warming awareness games. I piggybacked on this in my post.
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of new media inspiring the world to change itself - yes, I think the whole idea behind issue-driven media is a truly engaged citizenry.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the video games don't serve much pupose. But, I think that is from an adults point of view... I think the video games may seem lame to us, but it could be a good tool for kids and to get them thinking of the enviroment!
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