Something else I'm excited for? The Internet. What? Yeah. I'm so excited for the Internet! Sure it's been around for a while, but these days it's really coming into its own right. Before I talk about the Internet, let me give you a quick timeline of
The History of Media
The Stuff before the Internet
- 1440 - Printing press is developed by Johannes Gutenberg, which brings books into the common people's homes. Now the peasants can think for themselves (here comes revolution) because of widespread education! Great works from the past are able to be experienced within the home.
- 1605 - Johann Carolus publishes what is considered to be the first newspaper in Strasbourg. Everyone is able to receive frequent updates about current events, opinion articles, and Sunday comics. Initial excitement dies down when Family Circus hits the pages. Works from current authors and illustrators are brought into the home.
- 1909 - Charles David Herrold becomes the first radio broadcaster from the station "San Jose Calling", which is now KCBS in San Francisco. This innovation welcomes music, radio shows and radio personalities to the world of mass media. The public is able to hear the voice of the president and other important people while sitting next to the fireplace with the family.
- 1927 - Philo T. Farnsworth (a man from Beaver, UT and one of my distant relatives) invents the first working television system. Say hello to I Love Lucy, Star Trek, Seinfeld, and endless "Seen on TV" ads! The public feels closer than ever to celebrities because they can see them, hear them and laugh with them.
- 1988 - The Internet becomes open for commercial use and begins to gain popularity in the 90's. EVERYTHING gets its own website (I actually remember looking up www.fart.com with my siblings when we first got the Internet). In the early 2000's, the Internet evolves to include "social media", something that allows people from all over to communicate with people from all over.
Before social media, mass media was focused in Los Angeles, New York City, and few other places. Now media can be found from everywhere in the world. Currently, I'm subscribed to YouTube channels produced in London (England), Sydney (Australia), two in Philadelphia (US), Cedar City, UT (US), New York City (US), Chicago (US), Eagle Mountain, UT (US), and many other locations. How cool is that? Although it can be hard to become an Internet celebrity because of the huge amount of users out there, it's possible and has been done..
Take a look at one of my heroes, Charlie McDonnell, aka charlieissocoollike. This guy is the same age as me, but is also one of the most well-known YouTubers out there. His videos are simple, authentic, and extremely entertaining. Charlie produces videos from his home in Bath, England and has done so since he was 17 years old. He's made a difference in the world by setting a quality precedent of vlogging (video-blogging) and getting involved in different collaborations and causes (including ChartJackers, which you should look at). Charlie is the quintessential celebrity of social media because he is young, genuine, quirky, and extremely connected. And he's got a "socool" username.Dear reader, what do you think of the Internet? Are you as excited as me to see where else this entity takes us or do you think it's simply a flash in the pan? Will Internet celebs someday become as tabloid-worthy as Hollywood celebs? If you feel overwhelmed in the world of online media, take a look at the links I provided to get an idea of what's on YouTube. After that, check out Facebook, Twitter, etc. I am glad to be alive and mature (ish) these days to see the Internet blossom and flourish. I hope you also appreciate the 'net a little bit more now. Remember to comment and keep the discussion going-- here and in real life. See ya!
