I am reading an article in Le Monde about how Internet has changed the French habits of “cultural” consumption (which would be called “Entertainment” in the Anglo-Saxon world). It’s not surprising that such a powerful medium has profoundly altered our relationship with culture, entertainment and information. However there are some surprises and, as far as I am concerned, the confirmation that I am totally anti-social for not following the general trends.
Movie-going is on the increase. Most French people go more often to the movies (57% in 2008 vs. 49% in 1997). I almost never go to the movies anymore, because of my busy schedule and the time-shifting and VOD offers of my IPTV subscription.
Music listening is on the increase, especially rock and roll and pop music in affluent classes and electronic and rap music in less affluent ones. Could that be because of illegal downloading? On this one I score a good mark because thanks to Apple, Inc. I have started to listen to music again, and, well, to rock and pop rather than rap.
TV is decreasing for the first time. I used to not have a TV signal in my house, for fear of my children becoming addicted. Now that they are addicted to the Internet and will not watch TV, I have subscribed to an IPTV service. Consequently my TV watching has increased from naught to a couple hours a week. Thank me, TV moguls!
Museum going is on the decline. I steadily visit museums and spend a good time there (you don’t have to believe me!).
Theatre going is increasing. From a dismal 16% to a huge 19%. A theatre owner in Marseilles has started a hunger strike because nobody goes to his shows and the government is not supporting him. I’d love to go more often to the theater but I must admit that I will not fill his plate very regularly.
Reading keeps decreasing. I have never read more than nowadays, and no best-sellers. Reading is the best way to flee from our day-to-day concerns. It lets us share in the everlasting wisdom of classical authors. It distracts us and gives us leisure to pause for thinking.
Overall I’m
happy to see how Internet is changing things, and not just for the worst. I
have always believed that it would bring more good than evil. The fact that it
promotes culture is the best proof.
The impact to our society of ubiquitous information is undeniable. Though the statistics provide valuable insight into trends, hopefully readers will not interpret declining attendance at theaters and museums as a decline in culture; Is the number of visitors at a museum as important as the amount of people who access its treasures via the internet? When at the dinner table kids ask question about current events, social issues or history, we no longer have to plan a trip to the local museum or library to answer their questions; a quick Google search provides the answer.
The title of the article in Le Monde describes it well; the Internet truly does 'bouscule' cultural choices but it's hard to predict the overall impact it will have on culture.
Here's an article you may find interesting about trying to predict the future. It's an article published in 1968 by a telecommunication company about what the world will be like in the year 2000. Even back then, a full year before the first ARPANET connection would even be made, they predict a change in culture because of increase access to information; imagine what you could do if you had a cordless portable extension phone...
http://tinyurl.com/yjl5dbz
Rédigé par: Phil Roberts | 25 octobre 2009 à 07:13