A level Media Exam Blog

  1) Media Magazine reading Media Magazine 72 has a feature linking YouTube influencers to A Level media theories. Go to our Media Magazine archive , click on MM72 and scroll to page 60 to read the article ‘The theory of everything - using YouTubers to understand media theory’. Answer the following questions: 1) How has YouTube "democratised media creativity"? The YouTube platform has democratised media creativity, with ordinary users uploading their own content: they are ‘produsers’ (producer-users) and ‘prosumers’ (producer-consumers). Content is published first and then filtered or judged later by audiences. So, success is measured by the number of views and the reaction of the ‘fans’ rather than the judgement and financial power of an industry editor/producer. 2) How does YouTube and social media culture act as a form of cultural imperialism or 'Americanisation'?  We could argue that YouTube influencers encourage the spread of US cultural references, language and

  Media Magazine reading Media Magazine 55 has an overview of technology journalist Bill Thompson’s conference presentation on ‘What has the internet ever done for me?’ It’s an excellent summary of the internet’s brief history and its impact on society. Go to  our Media Magazine archive , click on MM55 and scroll to page 13 to read the article ‘What has the internet ever done for me?’ Answer the following questions: 1) Looking over the article as a whole, what are some of the positive developments due to the internet highlighted by Bill Thompson? The network connects us to other people,  it provides a great source of information, it  can be used for campaigning and political  action, to draw attention to abuses and fight  for human rights. It’s a great place for gaming  and education, which can also be used to make  a lot of money (for a few people) as well as  a place where you can meet your friends. 2) What are the negatives or dangers linked to the development of the internet? But t