The Next New Thing

An idea I have for a new type of new media is a website called “Community.” On this website you can choose a city or neighborhood and see all of the local events, sales, and special promotions that are occurring in that area, whether it is a concert in the park, a yard sale, or discounts at a new restaurant or retail store. Registered members and businesses can post events on the site and users can leave comments, opinions, and suggestions. It would be an interactive environment, where people are both contributors and consumers. Businesses could even post special discounts and promotions to those who use the site. 

 The purpose of the website is to instill a sense of community among neighbors and bring people closer together. By advertising these local events, individuals may create friendships, visit new places, and take part in something they otherwise would not have known was occurring. As much of an impact websites such as Facebook and Twitter have had on society, they have also been blamed for a decline in social interactions and communication skills. In contrast, the underlying idea of “Community,” is using new media to encourage more face-to-face relationships and interactions. The purpose of the site is to get people off their computers and out of their houses. “Community” would be the ideal place to plan your day or weekend, whether you are staying close to home or traveling to another location. By selecting a neighborhood, you could easily see everything occurring on a certain day and plan accordingly.