Through our societies need to constantly absorb information, it is only natural that we the “consumer” are going to be targeted through new media as result of our countries capitalistic claws. Siapera introduces Castells Informational Capitalism: “…economic organization that…relies on the new media and technologies and…imposes their logic on all areas of production and consumption.” (Pg. 21). Siapera also dives into the astonishing world of media companies and their ties to other companies ultimately creating monopolies. Although this relationship is not made in the book, this is very similar to railroad monopolies back way before the internet. The concept of a few people/organizations owning nearly all the major media outlets and merging smaller ones has a massive—possibly detrimental—impact on our economy. Just because everyone is absorbed in media outlets does not mean there is guaranteed financial success which she states much more eloquent than I could on page 31:
“…they [social platforms] have yet to find a fail-safe business model and means by which to guarantee a steady income…to sell advertisements, or rather users…therefore very important for them to keep growing their user base.”.
Essentially our addiction to being constantly connected is what funds these enormous companies who make a living on selling our information.
Siapera, Eugenia. 2018 Understanding New Media. SAGE Publications.
New Media 