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Streaming digital media has become the new norm for many media outlets. As opposed to days gone by, when you waited in line to buy the new album by your favorite artist, you now download or stream a digital version.

Our vehicles have also become a digital playground. Analog speedometers have been replaced by digital speedometers. The ability to connect your phone to your car to play your streaming music or podcasts has replaced listening to the car radio. 

Depending on the type of car you have, you can connect to your audio system by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB cable. The best type of audio system will allow you to connect to your media without having to physically touch your phone. After all, you’re meant to keep your attention on driving, not your phone.

Instant Gratification 

Streaming has become so popular in today’s culture because you can have access to anything that strikes your fancy at any time. All you have to do is think of a song or a movie and in the time it takes you to type in the search bar, you are able to enjoy what you’re looking for. 

Technology has already come a long way; smartphones have gotten smarter, car dashboards have morphed to accommodate how you consume media, and smart speakers allow you to enjoy what you stream without being glued to a screen. As the demand for digital media continues to grow, devices will continue to evolve to allow for an ever-increasing enjoyment.

The Impact Of Digital Media

There is no doubt that with the growth of digital media, the world has gotten smaller. Think about the global reach of social media. Granted, social media has several negative connotations associated with it, but think of all the good it’s done. Without social platforms, you could live your whole life without interacting or learning about another culture. In today’s world, you can discuss global politics and current events with people from all over the world. You can gain an understanding and perspective that you may not have considered without direct interactions.

With the prevalence of single-parent households, social media helps to bridge the distance and foster relationships with the non-custodial parent. Children can talk, interact, and share important parts of their lives with a loved one who doesn’t reside with them thanks to virtual communication. Even extended family members who aren’t local won’t have to miss out on seeing each other on a regular basis because of the time or cost involved with traveling. 

Because of digital media, commerce has also become a global marketplace. You are no longer bound by borders for services you offer; because of social media and the digital world, can you foster business relationships overseas. Companies no longer have to bear the expensive overhead of having a dedicated office space to get work done. More so now than ever, employers can offer work to employees who never have to leave the comfort of their own home. 

When talking about virtual reality, you can’t overlook the pure entertainment aspect of it. Entertainment also has a valuable role within our ever-increasingly virtual presence. While in the not so distant past, certain video games could have a couple of players go head to head in a game, today, hundreds of players can join a virtual platform and face off from opposite ends of the globe. You can share your enjoyment of similar pastimes with likeminded people and heighten your experiences. 

The beauty of the internet, digital, and social media, is the autonomy it offers the user. You are in control of how invested you get with the several facets of digital media. How will you use all the information available at your fingertips?

author avatar
Bernard - Side-Line Staff Chief editor
Bernard Van Isacker is the Chief Editor of Side-Line Magazine. With a career spanning more than two decades, Van Isacker has established himself as a respected figure in the darkwave scene.

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