Is Print Media Dead?

“Print, of course, hasn't exactly gone away - magazines and newspapers still account for more then a third of worldwide ad revenues - but the chatter in the industry suggests its death is just around the corner” (Weber). It is no surprise that this statement was made in an article discussing the question of whether or not print media is dead. The rise of online communication from outlets ranging from online newspapers to Facebook has had a big impact on the liveliness of print media. We have entered a tech-savvy decade in which people base their research, shopping, and socialization on the Internet. It takes seconds to find information on any question you could possibly have, an ability that would never have been thought of not too long ago. We have turned our way of educating ourselves from taking the time to research and gather materials, to texting a question to Google and receiving an answer within minutes. There used to be thought and consideration when it came to finding out information that you need to know because of the amounts of research you had to conduct, but now that is not longer true. I am not surprised that so many people feel print media will soon be out of the loop and have such little value that it will come to the point where it no longer exists. Even though this is all true, I must say I do not agree. I agree with the fact that it will some day possibly happen and that there is enough evidence such as the decline of usage and subscriptions to print media, but I do not agree with the fact that this is happening. In my opinion, I find print media to be relevant and useful. I enjoy flipping through the pages of magazines and folding down the corner on something that I like or want to refer back to. I find it useful to have the ability to underline specific information in a book I am researching and being able to look through my notes without having to drag my computer around with me everywhere I go. I think print media has been the traditional way for most people to gather their information over the years and it is important to obtain that sense of establishment and accomplishment. I am not saying I do not appreciate being able to look up directions quickly on my phone, or read up about breaking news the second it happens but I find value in being able to take the time to do research and receive print material such as magazines and newspapers. There is no question to the amount of new technology that will provide any type of information at our fingertips and with the generations learning about and becoming pros at technology at younger and younger ages, there is no doubt in my mind that research for them will be nothing compared to what my generation had to do in elementary and middle school. This is what upsets me though and makes me question how great all this new technology really is. I find children with cell phones and Ipod touches and laptops to be a little disturbing and unnecessary. I think they should grow up learning about how exciting reading a book is and the smell of a new book and magazines are. Since I am a Public Relations major, I will always have a soft spot for print media because that is how Public Relations started and was able to grow. I have learned about being able to write a press release for newspapers and magazines and having people open those pages and read what you have to say. I hope that over time people get bored and sick of the technology and all of the advancements and turn back to the traditional ways of print media, but sometimes I believe it is just wishful thinking.

First Blog!

hi my name is Darrien. This is Internet Based Marketing. Awesome.