New and digital media has been able to empower its users. These users can produce their own texts (UGC) which enables them to put forward their own personal views and share them with people internationally. This has specifically been of good use to those a part of the younger audiences, who feel that they have been misrepresented within the media.
Facebook initially began in 2004 and was intended for the use of Harvard university students. Though it was intended for these people, the website was soon used by most of America and the phenomenon grew rapidly until it reached an international level. Facebook allows people to upload personal information, pictures and set up small virtual communities by creating pages which people can join if they feel they share things in common. This, rather than creating an isolated society as Sherry Turkle says, it can be argued that social networking sites actually allow people to socialize with people. By updating their statuses, the users of Facebook are able to represent their ‘true’ self, which can be seen as a more genuine representation.
Sites such as YouTube are also advantageous to younger users, as it gives them a chance to upload videos showing their talents. Like the current global star Justin Bieber who was founded on YouTube. He uploaded videos of himself singing, recorded at home and instantly people were able to view these videos comment, rate and subscribe. Subscriptions can be seen as a way of audiences appreciating the creator of the video.
Digital media has provided a foundation for users to build their own representations and challenge the dominant readings of themselves through the media.
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