This short article explores the rise of social media, internet streaming and user produced content in international media consumption.
In the digital economy, the increase of social media as key information and content platforms has considerably altered the way individuals are consuming media. In fact, social media platforms have grown to become main sources of information, entertainment and cultural trends, particularly for younger audiences. Conventional media outlets are now relying heavily on social platforms and rebranding to fit the digital space as a means for delivering content, engaging with users and remaining appropriate, as media . consumption patterns continue to move online. Content such as short-form videos are currently leading the digital world and take advantage of user engagement and algorithms for views. Furthermore, self-made influencers and content creators are also emerging as independent media figures, often measuring up to mainstream journalists and celebs in their range. Those involved in the social media industry, such as the investor of ByteDance, would identify the growing influence of digital platforms in modern media intake.
As internet-based media sites continue to flourish, videos streaming has largely overtaken conventional broadcast TV and cable television. Streaming platforms are growing in appeal for offering on-demand screening that aligns with the preferences of modern-day people, by providing both adaptability and personalisation. As one of the leading current trends in the media industry, this pattern has interfered with the traditional media models and has driven even the most successful media companies to introduce their own streaming programs or partner with tech giants to keep in line with competitors. Additionally, with the surge of paywalls and subscription-based media, there is a noticeable pattern where audiences are progressively willing to spend for content that supports autonomous developers. This trend of decentralisation enables reporters and artists to build direct associations with viewers, bypassing the traditional media models.
As media consumption moves online, media trends and predictions are now greatly affected by algorithms. These algorithms now play a central role in shaping what material people see, while being driven by factors such as user habits and interaction patterns. This results in highly personalised media experiences, developed to keep a user engaged for longer. While this personalisation is successful in preserving the interest of a user, it has also raised issues about the spread of false information, a shortfall of diversity in viewpoints and the psychological impacts of material addiction. Because of this, media companies are reacting by investing in data analytics and audience segmentation to better understand and hold on to users. Additionally, to filter and keep the stability of these platforms, companies are also introducing truth checking tools as governments and educators are promoting better digital literacy. The activist investor of Sky, for instance, would understand the significance of reliability when it pertains to sharing information. Similarly, the owners of Euronews would recognise the difficulties caused by new media creators.