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Digital media has completely taken over the marketing world. To me, digital media means content or media that is created, shared, or stored electronically. I have learned a lot about digital media through my classes at the University of South Florida and in my position as social media manager at Tampa Bay Boating Adventures.

What I know about digital media

Digital media has transformed how we communicate and stay informed. I personally use digital media every day, and I am constantly interacting with it. Most people wake up and check their phones almost immediately. Whether you fall asleep scrolling or listen to a podcast before bed, digital media is being consumed constantly. The more I use it, the more questions I have about its influence on today’s society.

I know that digital media is essential to marketing and advertising. Social media has given brands new opportunities to connect with their audiences. Ads are now tailored to our needs and interests to drive engagement. Instagram and TikTok are not just for entertainment anymore; they drive trends, sales, and have a huge influence on how a brand or product is perceived by society. Roles like social media manager, content creator, and SEO strategist have all grown from the popularity of digital media.

Digital media also has a huge impact on identity and community. Although it benefits the marketing world, it can also spread misinformation and fake news rapidly. Since social media is so addictive, it can negatively affect mental health, and people are highly concerned about privacy. Influencers have become role models in society, and their opinions are valued and followed by many people online. At the same time, because we are constantly seeing staged videos or edited photos, it often leads to comparison, whether it’s appearance or lifestyle; there is always the pressure of living up to a “perfect life.”

Since I use digital media both in my position and in everyday life, I’ve experienced its positive and negative effects. I’ve seen how trends spread almost instantly, but I’ve also seen how misinformation can spread just as quickly.

Questions I have about digital media

Although I know a lot about the effects of digital media, I still have some questions. My biggest concern is ethics. In my Public Relations research class, we conducted a study on how ads made students feel and whether any of them were memorable. I learned that great ads provoke emotion, but where do companies draw the line between persuading audiences and misleading them? The digital environment presents new ethical challenges that did not exist in traditional media, since information can spread so easily.

I am also concerned about the long-term effects on mental health and relationships. I have personally compared myself to influencers before, and I know many young people do the same. Will the pressure to look a certain way or live up to a certain lifestyle ever change?

I also wonder how AI will change the way we create and consume media in the future. I have been fooled by videos or pictures I thought were real, only to find out they were created by AI. Will more traditional ways of distributing media become unpopular?

Finally, since I am in the Public Relations and Advertising field, I question whether AI will begin to overtake how ads are created or how we communicate with audiences. This field is so fast-paced, and professionals constantly have to keep up with trends.

In conclusion, I know digital media is essential to life. It is influential and has reshaped how we communicate. As I continue to work in this field, I am sure I will continue to have more questions about the effects of digital media on society and on my career.