The Perils of NMT's.

1. Why Is consumerism a concept central to this unit?
2. How do we often ‘unwittingly give up our privacy’?
3. How have NMT’s criminalised audiences?
4. What health and environmental issues doe NMTs pose?

1. New Media Technologies are driven by consumerism. This is mostly because of the increasing amount of demand for these technologies. As the article states: 'Average household spending on new media has risen dramatically in the last ten years.' This increase in popularity has resulted in institutions developing more technologies so that their audiences can get what they want.
2. Every time we buy something online, search for something, visit a website etc. Websites such as Google and Amazon are able to keep a record of all our activities. Not a lot of people realise this so they give up information about themselves without realising.
3. Many people turn to crime without realising. Promotion of illegal downloading softwares such as Napster is always increasing causing tconsumers to download music and other such files without realising it is illegal. Also, computer games such as Manhunt and GrandTheftAuto have been critisized for promoting violence in young peoples minds and causing them to think it is okay to kill people like this - even though it's not.
4. Environmental problems arise because all technologies release electronic waste which are hazardous. Also, the disposal of electronic gadgets is an issue. Also, there is a potential threat from mobile phone masts. It is thought that the electromagnetic waves released by them are harmful and may even cause cancer. This is why it is such a threat when these masts are located near schools.