Week 3 - Media Ecology and Patterns of Relations
This week we studied Gregory Bateson and his theories on media ecologies, and communicative patterns of relations. In order to reflect my understanding of these concepts, I am going to talk about my own 'patterns of relations' and the way that I view my media environment as an 'ecology.’
The word ‘ecology’ in itself implies a study of environments and its “structure, content and impact on people” (Media Ecology Association). Bateson likens the media environment to ‘ecology,’ as it is evolutionary and has cultural consequences (Milberry). This also reflects the theory of cybernetics – which I am sure I will commonly refer to in future posts.
According to Bateson, the ecosystems in media ecology consist of all kinds of communication networks, which lead me to Bateson’s next theory of a communicative pattern of relations. An environment consists of “shifting patterns of relations across the mind, body and world” (Bateson). This is as applicable to the media environment as it is to our natural one.
Personally, the ecosystems in my media environment are quite limited as I mainly communicate via the Internet. However, the platforms of online communication that I use are quite varied and subject to change. For example, two years ago I would post up to two statuses per day on Facebook. Now, I rarely post on Facebook as a result of converting to Twitter as my main means of expressing myself – primarily communicating my anger toward Sydney Trains.
This represents an evolution in my ecology that had consequences on the pattern of relations between my mind, and the world – as I now feel obliged to tweet at every hour of the day. I have also noticed that the modern media ecology has, to an extent, eliminated the facet of the ‘body’ as people no longer value the difference between face-to-face communication and technological forms.
An example of this is the use of Skype. I was Skype calling a friend with our microphones turned off and our videos turned on. I had made a joke and my friend typed ‘haha’ in response out of habit. I could clearly see on the screen that he was not amused.
In this way, patterns of relation can be conflicting as the media ecology continues to evolve. I am now trying to reconcile emotive communicating (or body) with technological (world and mind), so much so that I find myself texting or messaging solely in emoticons rather than words.
Therefore, media (as our environment) plays a huge role in influencing how we act and what we feel (Media Ecology Association). All I can say is, although progress is good, it is definitely not without consequence.
Milberry, Kate (n.d.) ‘Media Ecology’, Oxford Bibliographies, <http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199756841/obo-9780199756841-0054.xml#>
Media Ecology Association ‘What is Media Ecology’ <http://www.media-ecology.org/media_ecology/>
Bateson, Gregory (2000) ‘A Theory of Play and Fantasy’, Steps to an Ecology of Mind Chicago: Chicago University Press: 177-183 (sections 1-11)
