Media Technologies

            Shockley-Zalabak (2009) states that "technology has changed and is changing literally all types of relationships in which we engage.  We no longer work only with those with whom we have face-to-face contact.  We work across time zones, different languages, cultural differences, and geographic locations.  We work with people without extensive information about their backgrounds, values, or experiences.  We are expected to work effectively with others, using a variety of communication technologies" (p.164).  There are a variety of ways today in which one can communicate with technology; computers, text messaging, email, cell phones, radio, videoconferencing, instant messaging, faxing, etc.  Media technologies are basically any sort of medium that allows information to be transferred through them, even without the presence of technological means.  Without these media technologies, people would not have newspapers, social networking sites, cell phones, radio, television, business presentations, online learning, etc.  Media technologies allow people to have the world at the tip of their fingers and make almost anything possible.

Examples of Media Technologies, Their Intended Audiences, and Their Uses -

Emails - The intended audience of emails is anyone who has access to a computer or a cell phone with the capability to use these technologies.  People are now able to access their personal email from any computer and web-ready cell phone.  This allows people to communicate with their work, their friends, or anyone else they may need to talk to. 

Newspapers - The intended audience of newspapers would probably be the older generation of people who still enjoy reading a physical newspaper.  Newspapers allow people to find out about events and information locally and globally.  People also use newspapers to conduct research for different reasons.

Online Shopping - The intended audience of online shopping would primarily be females who either don't have time to shop or would rather shop online than in a store.  Online shopping allows people to compare prices of products from different places and to shop without leaving their homes.

Cell Phones - The intended audience using cell phones are from the younger generation to middle-aged people who need to be connected while on the go.  According to Roebuck (2006), "For example, the latest generation of office accessories, from cells phones to the RIM Blackberry, has brought a new level of sophistication and a way to manipulate perceptions.  The new options allow people to do far more than send emails from the beach" (p. 427). 

References

Shockley-Zalabak, P. S.  (2009).  Fundamentals of organizational communication.  Boston: Pearson. 

Roebuck, D. (2006).  Improving Business Communication Skills.  Upper Saddle River: Pearson.