New media is a catch-all term used for various kinds of electronic communications that are conceivable due to innovation in computer technology. In contrast to ‘old’ media, which includes newspapers, magazines, books, television and other such non-interactive media, new media comprises websites, online video/audio streams, emails, online social platforms, online communities, online forums, blogs, internet telephony, web advertisements, online education and much more. It is not very easy to draw a line between the new and old media because the so-called old media has found new ways of representation in digital forms, leaving behind its conventional methods of representation. New media is considered to be the multimedia and digital form of communication happening via desktop and laptop computers as well as phones, tablets and other devices. New media has introduced user interaction, rather than simply consuming media. New media can be customised to users’ preferences and it can be selectively linked from one form of content to another.
How does the passage distinguish new media from old media?
Correct Answer :
New media includes user interaction, whereas, through old media, we only consume information.
Solution :
The correct answer is: New media includes user interaction, whereas, through old media, we only consume information.
Explanation:
The passage distinguishes new media from old media based on interactivity and user engagement:
1. Old Media: The text refers to old media (such as newspapers, magazines, books, and television) as non-interactive media where the audience simply consumes information.
2. New Media: The text explicitly highlights that "New media has introduced user interaction, rather than simply consuming media." It also allows content to be customized according to user preferences and selectively linked from one form to another.
Thus, the key point of differentiation presented in the passage is that new media involves active user interaction, while old media only involves passive consumption of information.
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