"The medium is the message." "The message is the medium." What do you think is the meaning of each saying? Which one is more applicable today? About the internet
"The medium is the message" is a quote by Marshall McLuhan meaning that the medium through which a message is conveyed influences and shapes the way the message is perceived and understood. In this interpretation, the medium itself carries inherent meanings and impacts how the content is received by the audience.
"The message is the medium" is a variation of the original quote, which suggests that the content or message being transmitted is the most crucial aspect of any medium. It implies that the message itself holds greater importance regardless of the mode or medium of communication.
Both sayings contribute to understanding how different mediums affect the message being communicated. However, in the context of the internet, "The medium is the message" is more applicable today. With the internet's vast range of platforms and communication channels, the medium itself plays a significant role in shaping the content and influencing its reception. Different platforms have distinct characteristics, features, and limitations that shape how messages are perceived and shared. The constraints and affordances of each medium influence the message being conveyed and perception by the audience.
For example, social media platforms like Twitter have character limitations, which may lead to concise messages often stripped of nuance. Meanwhile, long-form articles or blog posts on platforms like Medium allow for more in-depth explanations and analysis. The visual-centric nature of platforms like Instagram places greater emphasis on images rather than text. Each medium carries different implications for how the message is crafted, consumed, and understood.
In summary, while both sayings highlight the interplay between medium and message, "The medium is the message" is more relevant in the modern era of the internet, emphasizing how various communication platforms shape and influence the content being shared and received.