The Next New Thing

A new type of "new media" could be telepathic technology that will be able to read thoughts by interpreting the movement of eyes through hand held devices. This would help identify the brain activity of semi comotosed individuals.The device should work as a scanner and enable doctors to communicate with patients who appear to be in a vegetative state.

P2P File Sharing

File sharing is the exchange of information through downloading and uploading files such as music and movies.

P2P file sharing is peer-to-peer exchange of files where one computer user uploads a file that the recipient will later download. Downloading is a faster process as uploading requires more space and checks.

As stated in "The BitTorrent Effect" by Clive Thompson, traditional P2P file sharing examples are Kazaa and Morpheus, which are slow processes due to the uploading "bottleneck" method. The same source is responsible to feed the information to transfer to requesting systems. Bram Cohen developed BitTorrent as a faster means to transfer files, he constructed it like a puzzle using numerous parts to complete tasks. Each user is involved in providing bits of the files making the sharing process readily available. This process demonstrates team work at its best as no one user carries a hefty load that weighs down or delays the job.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Issues of privacy and confidentiality are related to new media because the ease to give information allows users the feeling of security on internet sites. Users share feelings and ideas on blogs and Facebook that are viewable by strangers. Mashups are reproductions of written or produced documents that may need consent if copyright laws are in place. Examples may include "remixes" of music where artist samples music and layover their lyrics to produce a new record. The distortion of work may change the intended meaning but creates an alternative message.
New media technology can allow better tracking of information through search engines on the internet. These search engines may lead to information not just posted by the user but also by third party applications. Identity theft and scams are sometimes the negative aspect of new media as users disclose full names, ages, background, hometown and phone numbers.