Media culture: New doesn’t always replace old

In the past decades, you would have witnessed how consumption of media and content has changed drastically thanks to the internet and ease of streaming apps.

But while the new ways might be here to stay, sometimes old is still gold.

In the past, your choices for shows to watch were limited — remember free-to-air local TV channels? It was them or whatever the cinemas were screening.

These days, the sky’s the limit. With streaming TV and apps, foreign movies and TV series (such as Story of Yanxi Palace and Squid Game) are much more accessible.

Every country’s own practices and beliefs will inevitably permeate the content they create. Just by watching foreign media, you’ll be exposed to the way of life of cultures different from yours — all from the comfort of your own home. These days, the sky’s the limit. With streaming TV and apps, foreign movies and TV series (such as Story of Yanxi Palace and Squid Game) are much more accessible.

Readers everywhere rejoiced with the advent of e- readers and apps that save paper while allowing you to have an entire library at your fingertips. There are even programmes that can read out loud to you, so you don’t get lost in the large chunks of text.

For those who like multitasking, audio books can be a great alternative. Some apps even help you condense a book into key takeaways¹ only — perfect for those who have shorter attention spans or lead busy lives!

You used to need a dedicated music player, as well as cassette tapes, vinyl records or CDs just to listen to music. Luckily times have changed — music can be streamed easily on your mobile devices anytime and anywhere.

Can’t decide what your next listen will be? Many streaming platforms even use AI² to recommend new tracks that you might be interested in, based on your listening history.

While there are new and more convenient ways of doing things, you might be feeling nostalgic. But new doesn’t always replace the old.

There’s a certain charm and nostalgia to enjoying local TV shows too. Plots and jokes set in the local context pack a different punch. Not only that, it might also be a good way to explore and see sides of Singapore that you might not be familiar with.

With books, nothing beats the joy of flipping through the crisp pages. They also offer less distractions as compared to a device³, and you can even share your well-loved copy with friends!

Remember your teenage days of collecting the CDs or vinyl records of your favourite musicians? There’s something meditative about the process of putting a record or CD on. For many, it’s a more intimate way to experience music⁴.

Technology has just made everything easier to access through digital means, such as streaming apps or even to check your financial policies and plans. Whether you choose to call your Financial Consultant virtually, or meet in person over coffee, there is space for both the old and new ways to coexist.

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