Communication Infrastructures

Catherine Hallam
Sep 8, 2018 · 2 min read

As defined by Lum, ‘media ecology is the study of the symbiotic relationship between people and the media technologies they create and use,’ (Lum, 2014, p137). In his use of the word ‘symbiotic’, Lum is emphasising the interrelationship between information technologies and the way we communicate. This interrelationship can be complex, and ‘does not suggest a direct, simple or linear model of cause of effect.’ — McLuhan & McLuhan (cited in Lum, 2014, p137).

We can see an example of this when looking at issues surrounding communication infrastructures, such as the rollout of Australia’s National Broadband Network. A study conducted by Wilkens et al looked at the installation of the NBN in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick. It found that there were many obstacles preventing people from embracing the NBN, aside from what could be perceived as straightforward obstacles, such as cost and quality of service. People’s living situations directly contributed to their likelihood to take up the NBN. For instance, renters and share households were less likely to connect, due to complexities in the installation process for renters, and the preference of share households for independent billing (Wilkens et al, 2013, p144). Again, this shows the complex way in which the elements of a media ecology interact as the ‘social environment that exists within the household shapes a domestic media ecology which interfaces with the ecosystem that lies outside the house…’ (Wilkens et al, 2013, p144).

Digital literacy is another influencing factor in media ecologies. For instance, it was also found in Wilken et al’s study that some people were not motivated to connect to the NBN because they ‘didn’t really know what it was’ (Wilkens et al, 2013, p145), indicating some failure in communication between the NBN Co and the general public. It is important to be aware of the potential impacts of digital literacy or lack-thereof. These impacts can be described as a ‘digital divide’, which creates a risk that those with lower levels of digital literacy will get left behind, as more of our essential economic activities and important social services move online (Nansen et al, 2013, p66).

References:

Wilkens R, Nansen B, Arnold M, Kennedy J, Gibbs M, 2013, ‘National, local and household media ecologies: The case of Australia’s National Broadband Network’, Communication, Politics and Culture, Vol. 46, p136–154

Nansen B, Wilken R, Arnold M, Gibbs M, 2013 ‘Digital Literacies and the National Broadband Network: Competency, Legibility, Context’, Media International Australia, 145: Nov, p66–74.

Lum C. M. K., 2014, Media ecology: Contexts, Concepts and Currents, in Fortner R & Fackler M (eds), The Handbook in Media and Mass Communication Theory, pp. 137–153, Chapter 8 in Vol. I, Section I