The Media I Use

I'm a nature man. Always have been. Always will be. But I use media and lots of it. I don't believe it makes me any less in tune with the real world. It connects me to the entire real world, rather than just my limited local reach. I can learn about good hikes, the rare birds in any area. I have weather reports at the click of a mouse. Of course, I'm not always using media for such noble purposes, but it certainly enriches my life.

Facebook I use Facebook constantly. It's always up on my computer. I'd say my actual usage of it boils down to two hours a day, seven days a week. I talk to friends, post my photography, have discussions, and keep up with old acquaintances. It's useful for me.

Reddit I usually instantly check two different websites when I get on my home computer: Facebook and Reddit. Reddit is a community where I can talk about the things I have passions for. There are "subreddits" for just about anything you could want to talk about. Sometimes, I use Reddit for their funny photos, but I can also search out enriching discussion about the subjects that interest me most (Shakespeare, acting, theatre, etc.) and I'm constantly using it to expose myself to new ideas.

My iPod Touch I got my beloved 16gb 1st generation iPod touch on eBay two years ago and it's been one of my most prized possessions ever since. I use it everyday: on walks, bike rides, in cars, in my shower, while falling asleep. The list goes on. It makes every activity instantly more enjoyable.

CNN This is where I get my news when I'm at work. I don't quite use it as much as I should, about once or twice a week as it stands now, but it still keeps me more informed than the average American.

Netflix Instant My baby! Since being permitted to use my brother's girlfriend's Netflix (and then when they broke up, one of my friend's accounts replaced it) last year, my breadth of TV and film viewing has expanded exponentially. My new favorite show, Breaking Bad, has changed the way I view any type of TV show or film. Netflix is so simple to start up and start watching. It's also a great incentive for movie nights with friends because there's so much at your disposal.

Plays I've always tried to read one play a week. I haven't been keeping it up, but I try my best to read when I can. The plays open my mind to the human condition and help me hone my craft. They also give me stuff to talk about with my fellow majors.

 

My media use centers around human communication. Facebook is for sharing ideas and talking to old friends. Reddit is for discussion and enlightenment. CNN is my connection to the entire world. Netflix allows me to spend time with friends. My iPod makes me feel things. My scripts introduce me to how humans work. It's all a giant cocktail meant to enrich me as a human being, a communicator, and a performer. I trust this sort of media. I'm never one to believe the rumors about Facebook selling away your privacy and CNN is reliable as long as you don't give yourself over to extreme bias. I'd say I enjoy my music the most. It's been with me through some pretty boring tasks and made them fun (mowing a hotel lawn with a push non-petrol mower in France comes to mind) I'm always looking for exposure to new media. Only three years ago, I would've never picked up and read a script for fun. Now? It's all I do.