Media ecology and change communication: Similarities, differences and opportunities for real-world synergies

A Media Ecology/Formal Cause Communication Model appears to have parallels with strategic/change communication offering means of exploring different but related areas of study and practice. Particularly, change communication continues to be critical in technology adoption whereas media ecology concerns ‘confronting technopoly’ and countering the surrender of culture to technology. A ‘change curve’, has had its own origins and part in the change communication process. However, media ecology’s particular communication focus appears based on maintaining human values in the face of such change. This article attends to the elements of change communication and technopoly confrontation through a review of related references. It discusses learning found in comparing strengths and opportunities. It suggests combining/reinterpreting pertinent processes for pursuing real-world synergies. Finally, the article proposes ‘remediating media’ process use proceeding in the aftermath of COVID-19 and international conflict.

Media ecology and change communication: Similarities, differences and opportunities for real-world synergies

Cheyunski

2023

Celebrating and extending the literary roots of media ecology: Spiralling forward and upward in our times

Cheyunski

2024

Many in recent years have been seeking solace and illumination due to trying circumstances by various means including reading. McLuhan’s broad pursuits in literature and into other written materials played an important part in the origins of media studies. This article reviews various sources to confirm as well as advocate further celebration and extension of these literary roots. Moreover, it highlights a recent translation of Machado de Assis’s classic Brazilian novel Brás Cubas as a gateway to increased use of world literature and other diverse sources. To advance McLuhan’s and other foundational works, those involved with media ecology should consider incorporating different recently available fiction and non-fiction more extensively. Such a widening of references could help broaden perspectives, foster additional insights, and help in spiralling the field forward and upward in our times.

Revisiting From Cliché to Archetype for artistry in addressing artificial intelligence in media ecology and managing change

Cheyunski

2024

This article goes back to McLuhan and Watson’s book From Cliché to Archetype, in its respective editions, regarding artistic recognition and treatment of media effects. It examines the core aspects of these texts as well as related Explorations in Media Ecology articles that help explain key aspects more clearly. The narrative relates these parallel constructs to those employed in information technology change management impact assessment. It situates these matters in terms of Bolter’s Digital Plenitude. The article presents a framework for combining these ideas and applying them in initiating an investigation of artificial intelligence academic use. This schema suggests tools that foster scholar and practitioner collaboration to better deal with an increasingly digitized environment. This article balances on the line between the theoretical and the pedagogical coming together in its final section to suggest a specific way to proceed in preparing for the next phases of the digital era.