Final answer:
Digital media, supported by user contributions and smartphone access, has become more interactive, targeted, and democratic, leading to a shift from traditional to new media sources for news and public discourse.
Step-by-step explanation:
User-contributed content and access to smartphones have made digital media more interactive, targeted, and democratic. With advancements such as 4G and 5G networks, people can stream media to their smartphones and tablets, transforming the internet into a platform for both commerce and media consumption. The proliferation of digital technologies has enabled a shift from traditional mass media to more personalized and real-time content creation and sharing. This change has led to a significant increase in online news consumption, as reported by the Pew Research Center, and a corresponding decline in print news media, radio, and television news.
The implications of new forms of technology on information dissemination and public discussion are profound. Digital media provides platforms like blogs, podcasts, and social media, which allow for immediate and potentially global communication. As our lives become increasingly immersed in the digital realm, the way we engage with news and political processes continues to evolve, steadily shifting the influence from traditional media sources to new media landscapes.