Final answer:
New media refers to electronic communications that rely on digital technologies, including the Internet, social media, and smartphones. It has revolutionized communication, affected societal behaviors, and bridged gaps in traditional media, but also highlighted challenges such as the digital divide. New media's impact extends into the arts, where it aids in both the creation and dissemination of artwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
New Media and Its Impact on Society
The term referred to in this question is new media, which encompasses a wide range of electronic communications facilitated by computer and digital technologies. This includes platforms such as the Internet, social media, blogs, podcasts, and digital video cameras, as well as devices like smartphones, video game consoles, and various forms of wireless technology. New media has revolutionized the way we share and receive information, offering interactive and potentially democratic methods of communication. They have altered traditional forms of media, enabling users to bypass traditional advertising channels and allowing for a diverse range of voices to be heard.
With the advent of new media, societal communication has shifted significantly. The popularity of smartphones grants us access to limitless resources, affecting how we receive news, engage with others, and experience social interactions. Through this transformation, we've seen new modes of learning, shopping, navigating, and entertainment. However, this shift also raises issues related to the digital divide and the knowledge gap, reflecting unequal access and understanding of these technologies.
New media also deeply influence culture and have even changed behavioral norms. Where societal norms might restrict certain interactions, new media technologies like mobile phones have allowed for private explorations and social connections otherwise not possible. Moreover, in addition to changing personal interactions, new media has considerable influence on the arts. Artists utilize the Internet and digital tools to make their works more visible and manipulate their art, which is increasingly consumed and shared through digital means.
In summary, new media is at the heart of technological innovation, pivoting our society towards a more digitally connected and expressive future. The evolution and integration of these technologies into our daily lives underscore their significance, transforming the way we communicate, work, and create.