Media Hot and Cold

Media Hot and Cold 

It is very interesting to be exposed to the concept of hot and cold media. It’s a very clear concept and is something that can be applied to almost anything. The concept being that anything considered to be a “hot media” is something that requires little to no participation from the viewer. Things such as movies or the radio. These are things that we listen to or watch and allow ourselves to really just zone out into them, without effort on our part. While the concept of “cold media” is media in which participation is required. Examples being televisions or telephones. Both require the viewer/users participation.

I found the opening to the article to be very interesting in the way the author described the emergence of the waltz dance as being “hot” and explosive. It made me start to think more about the idea of the waltz, and how it can be considered “hot” even by those who are dancing it. In comparison to other partner dances the waltz is one in which participation and memorization is less evident. The ¾ time signature of the waltz allows for the dancers to follow the music in a way that becomes second nature and can sometimes allow the dancers to zone out and let muscle memory take over. Especially for the female dancer who is following the man who generally is the lead. This is very different compared to other partner dances such as the lindy hop or tango, in which concentration and focus are more mandatory. I found that to be an interesting thought and perspective on his initial comment on the waltz as “hot”. 

Though the article was written in the 60’s, its concepts can still be applied to current modes of media. With the emergence of internet and social media the way we absorb information has changed dramatically. Social media is one method we now take in our news and keep up to date with current events, however, I do not think that social media can be categorized as either hot or cold. Because it is on the user as to whether it becomes hot or cold. One can scroll and skim through these platforms with very little participation and very little being actually absorbed or processed. But with more participation one can actually gain large amounts of information from these portals. Whether that be factual who can say. It seems like what is considered hot or cold though depends not he user, because even though there could be the chance to participate in some media that doesn't mean the viewer will infect participate.