Final answer:
Technology, particularly the increase in smartphone use and internet access, has shifted information consumption from traditional media to digital sources, with a significant number of Americans now receiving their news online, leading to personalized and immediate access to information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Technology has drastically altered the ways in which we receive information. With the advent of the Internet and the smartphone revolution, traditional media channels like newspapers and broadcast television have seen a decline, as more people turn to digital sources for news. The Pew Research Center notes a significant increase, from 24% to 39% from 2004 to 2012, in Americans getting their news online. This shift is more pronounced among younger demographics. Smartphones, now ubiquitous, offer on-demand access to an array of information sources, breaking news, and social platforms, transforming the relationship people have with their devices and how they stay informed on global events.
The rise of new media, characterized by internet-based technologies, has changed not only the consumption habits but also the expectations of media consumers. People now expect real-time updates and the ability to interact and engage with content creators. This has led to personalized news feeds and algorithms curating information to individual preferences, further affecting the relationship between the public and news providers. As smartphone use continues to grow, it's likely this trend towards digital news consumption will continue, further shaping the media landscape.