ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS

New Media and the Environment

New Media Vs Old Media
New media is used to describe content made available using different forms of
electronic communication made possible through the use of computer and
smartphone technology. Generally, the phrase "new media" describes content
available on-demand through the Internet. This content can be viewed on any
device and provides a way for people to interact with the content in real-time
with the inclusion of user comments and makes it easy for people to share the
content online with friends.

In contrast to "old" media, which includes newspapers, magazines, books,

television, radio and other such non-interactive media, new media is
comprised of websites, online video/audio streams, email, online social
platforms, online communities, online forums, blogs, Internet telephony, Web
advertisements, online education and much more.

Old media, such as print newspapers and magazines, are static representations
of text and graphics.
Environmental Communication
Environmental communication is communication about environmental affairs. This
includes all communication that make up the social debate about environmental issues and
problems and our relationship with the environment.

Environmental communication serves two broad social functions. The first is that we use
communication to do things. For example, we communicate in order to inform, persuade,
educate, and alert others. Similarly, we use communication to organize, argue, reconcile,
and negotiate with each other, among other things. In this way, environmental
communication is a practical, and indeed essential, tool for action.

Whether you are using environmental communication to advocate for a policy, raise
awareness, change behavior, influence public opinion, collaborate to address conflicts, pass
legislation, or challenge assumptions, how you communicate will affect your outcomes.
Whether you seek technological, political, economic, behavioral, or cultural solutions, you
need effective communication to succeed.
Online Activist
Online activism is the use of electronic communication technologies such as social media, e-mail, and podcasts for various forms of activism.
It enables faster and more effective communication by activists around the world to large audiences.

Benefits of Online Activism Negatives of Online Activism

Mould Public Opinion: With the idea of acting collectively, an Lack of privacy: There is no absolute protection even after being
issue can be tackled. Such ideas have the potential to change society anonymous on the web. Planning online is more dangerous than
by influencing public opinion in order to help the cause. doing so offline since digital footprints are easy to collect and track
remotely.
Networking: Social media can be used to interact with other users,
or to find people with similar interests to one's own. Using public Unreliable information is often shared. Communications shared
opinion to demand environmental improvements has slowly become deserve careful scrutiny due to the circulation of fake and false
a strategy of the environmental campaign. propaganda.

Fundraising: Fundraising online can be beneficial when planned Unwanted Arguments: On social media platforms, we can see the
properly and the scope widens to the world with modes of payment outrage leading to unwanted arguments between people without any
now increasingly becoming online via digital wallets, debit/credit meaningful purpose.
cards etc.
Likes or hashtags do not result in change. It is hard to determine
the lasting participation and involvement of those who conveniently
click and share links.
Negative Impacts of Digital Media
While digital media has brought numerous benefits and advancements, it is important to
recognize that there are also adverse impacts associated with its use. Here are some of the
negative effects of digital media:

● Information Overload: The abundance of information available through digital media can
lead to information overload. With constant access to news, social media updates, and
online content, individuals may feel overwhelmed and find it challenging to filter out
relevant and reliable information. This can contribute to increased stress, decreased
productivity, and difficulty in making well-informed decisions.

● Reduced Attention Span: The fast-paced nature of digital media, with its constant
notifications, scrolling feeds, and short attention-grabbing content, can negatively affect
attention spans. Excessive use of digital media, especially with a focus on quick, bite-sized
information, may lead to decreased concentration and difficulty sustaining attention for
longer periods.

● Social Isolation: While digital media enables connectivity and communication, excessive
reliance on digital platforms can contribute to social isolation. Spending excessive time
engaging in online interactions can replace real-life social interactions, leading to a sense of
loneliness and disconnection from the physical world.
● Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: The anonymity and distance provided by
digital media platforms can facilitate cyberbullying and online harassment.
Individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and teenagers,
may experience negative psychological effects from being targeted, leading to
anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem.

● Sedentary Lifestyle: Engaging in digital media often involves sedentary

behaviors, such as sitting for extended periods while using devices. Excessive
screen time can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with
health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal
problems.

● Sleep Disruption: The use of digital media, particularly before bedtime, can
disrupt sleep patterns. The exposure to the blue light emitted by screens and the
stimulating content can interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to
difficulty falling asleep and decreased sleep quality.

● Privacy and Security Concerns: Digital media raises significant privacy and
security concerns. Personal data shared online can be vulnerable to data
breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized access. Individuals may also
experience a loss of privacy and control over their personal information, as
online activities are tracked and used for targeted advertising.
 ● Digital Addiction and Dependency: Excessive use of digital media can lead
to addictive behaviors and dependency. Individuals may experience
difficulty in controlling their digital media usage, neglecting other
important aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and personal
well-being.

It is important to note that the impact of digital media can vary among
individuals, and responsible use, digital literacy, and maintaining a healthy
balance between online and offline activities can help mitigate these adverse
effects. Being aware of the potential risks and taking proactive measures to
manage digital media consumption can contribute to a healthier and more
balanced relationship with technology.
Social Media Can Make an Impact to the Environment
Social media has grown to be an essential tool for administering a place
and opportunity for people to take part in impacting decisions that can
have a positive or negative impact on the environment. These decisions
are being made by big corporations as well as the government. It has
developed a means for individuals to connect with environmental issues
in their community and help find solutions that may influence those
decisions.

There are various ways in which social media like Facebook and
Instagram have reshaped the way we communicate, bringing about new
trends as well as the possibility of change as a result of social media’s
use as an instrument to reinforce collective comments and suggestions.

#fridaysforfuture
#TrashTag
#PrayforAmazonas
There are three areas in which social media can have an
impact on our environment.

1. Sharing of Environmental Communications: Social

media has made it possible to spread awareness and
environmental concerns to a larger community across the
globe.
2. Online Activism: Activists and citizens use Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram as a podium to talk about personal
reports and other types of media gathered from their
local communities.
3. Garner Support for Environmental Causes: Making
use of public opinion to demand environmental
improvements has slowly become a strategy of the
environmental campaign. Eg., # Fridaysforfuture
Greta Thunberg (born 3 January 2003) is a Swedish environmental activist
who is known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action on
climate change mitigation. In August 2018, Thunberg began the school climate
strikes and public speeches for which she has become an internationally
recognised climate activist.
Question
Part A
1. What is the role of new media in environmental protection?
2. What is online environmental activism?
3. What is environmental communication?

Part B
1. How can we use video sharing websites like YouTube to create environmental awareness among people?
2. Elaborate the role of new media in creating environmental awareness.
3. How can social media help save the planet?
4. How can new media act as an effective tool for sharing Information, awareness and clarity on environmental issues?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online activism?
6. Has the internet helped in reducing pollution? Elaborate with examples.
7. What are the advantages of new media when compared to print media?
8. What is the role of social media in environmental awareness?

Part C
1. What are new media? How they differ from old media in the impact on our environment?