Example Of Essay On The Effects Of Technology On Popular Culture

As the society increasing migrates online, technology, especially information technology has played an increasing role in how we work, communicate and relax. Even popular culture has not escape the disruptive effect of technology.
Sports, which is perhaps the most widely consumed example of popular culture, has provided a rich platform for technological innovations that have not only improved the performance of athletes on the field but also enhanced the entertainment value of sports events to fans and spectators. Instant replay is the most commonly known and important technological innovation that has affected sports. While often complained about when it is used, fans and athletes alike unquestioningly call for it when there is a question on the field. For fans of any sport, multiple-camera angles, slow-motion replay; and the permanent on-screen display of the score, the teams, and other information such as time-outs and penalties might be taken for granted nowadays, but it is an example of how technology in sports has upgraded the viewing experience. For football fans in particular, the recent addition of the yellow first down line is another sport-specific use of technology. Perhaps one of the biggest trends in sports nowadays is sports analytics. Sports analytics refers to the analysis of multiple streams of data such as a player’s historical shot percentage, or on base average against a certain team, player or even the time of day; in order to predict or improve a player or team’s performance. The analysis is done by computer and the data for analysis is obtained from an array of high-tech devices including high-definition cameras, sensors, and advanced algorithms
After sports, television has become a leading example of popular culture across the world. Moreover, like sports, over the last 25 years, technology has remade television several times over. Television programming was traditionally time sensitive, if you were not available to see the program when it aired, you would have to wait weeks, months or even years to see a rerun. However, with the introduction of the video cassette recorder (VCR) and the more recent digital video recorder (DVR), viewers were given the power to “time shift” or record a program so that they could view it later or whenever it was convenient for the to watch. Moreover, VCRs and DVRs allowed viewers to be able to store and watch their favorite shows over and over again. Television programming also used to be limited to what your local television stations aired. However, with the introduction of cable television in the 1980s and the Internet streaming services like Netflix nowadays, viewers have the ability to watch much more programs. Moreover, programming is not just limited domestic shows or professional produced series; they can access international programming via licensing shares or amateur programming through such services as YouTube. Perhaps the most visible way technology has affected television viewing is in the actual process of viewing. The introduction of big screen, flat screen, and high-definition television sets has made watching a program on television almost as good as watching it in real life.
What would popular culture be without pop music? Music in the 70s, 80s and 90s was mainly focused on building huge collections of records, cassettes and CDs that occupied large, areas of space were not very portable in bulk and tended to degrade over time. However, with the introduction of digital technology, not only could a roomful of vinyl recorded be compressed into a device no bigger than your hand, but also no matter how many times you play your favorite song, the quality will remain the same. For cassettes, it used to be that you could spend minutes fast-forwarding or rewinding to find that perfect lyric from a favorite song, but with digital technology finding a lyric is as easy as starting a song. Cloud technology has also enhanced music fans by making a roomful of music available to them at any time, place or on device they desire. In the past, music fans would do many things to have a chance to speak with or catch a glimpse of their favorite star such as by attending a fan show. Nowadays however, technology allows fans and stars to connect more easily and more safely. Indeed, using such Internet services as Twitter and Instagram, fan and stars to directly correspond to each other. Moreover, stars can use these services to provide special benefits such as tickets, t-shirts or even the chance to meet.

Works Cited

Anthony, Andrew. “A history of television, the technology that seduced the world- and me.” The Guardian. guardian.com, 7 Sept. 2013. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Fox-Brewster, Tom. “Big Data: revolutionizing sport in unexpected ways.” The Guardian. guardian.com, 6 Oct. 2014. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Wall, Matthew. “Is streaming technology saving the music industry.” BBC. bbc.com, 27 Jun 2014. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.