The times have changed. The means of communications for this generation is based on current technology and the next “big product”, which is continuously changing. To be honest, I do not belong to any social media, I miss out a lot of current events and the latest information. I try to catch the news on television every now and then when I have the opportunity and I will check out yahoo news every once in a while. Not to mention hearing news on the radio if I don’t chose to turn the station between songs. Basically, when something big happens locally, nationally, or even gossip I most likely hear about it word of mouth. I am a bartender in a small town, I hear a lot of talk among the customers and let’s face it people love to talk about what's happening around them. Between the weather, politics, current events, sports, etc. I hear it all. I learn a lot about what’s happening and I also hear a lot of interesting viewpoints. You may be wondering why I am a communication major when I am basically disconnected in the world of technology today, however, I chose to be a communication major not because of the technology of how people choose to communicate. I chose this major because I enjoy personal communication. Verbal communication is what I respond to the best and chose to respond to. Although in today’s society there are so many ways to get around verbal communication, it will always be an important aspect, especially in the workplace and maintaining relationships professionally or personally.
Visual communication is larger than ever. With advancement of technology, visually communication is more accessible and effective than it has been in the past decades. Popular social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat, which are based on visual elements, in which all have made visual communication extremely active and powerful. We're a society that prefers images over words. Anything that makes what we do easier to communicate faster and efficient. Visuals can tell a story without words. Our access to information is inevitable, we scroll and search until something catches the eye, usually an image. Our brains ought to believe we our eyes see, because visuals are meant to persuade people. We take what we see and develop opinions, strategies, and solutions. When standing in line at a grocery stores, magazines attract our attention because of the images. While driving along the highway, bulletin boards grabs attention for the reason of the images. Commercials, ads, and promotions of any type are focused on image making. We are influenced by a visual world.
A brand that really stands out that has strong visual communication is Dove. A brand that focused on the idea that girls are surrounded by unrealistic images of beauty that impact their self image and self esteem. Dove ads involve beautiful curvey women and demostrations of how makeup and photoshop can really change the appearence the models in magazines. Doves goal is to educate all women what beauty really means.
Rise Against is an influential punk rock band known for their viewpoints and their aim for change. Rise Against as a band support organizations against bullying, supports animal rights, and address their opinions of the economic development their music and events.
Michelle Obama's Lets Move campaign has strong visual communication. The main goal is to improve the lifestyle of children nationwide in hopes of a healthier generation. The campaign is educational to children and parents and is making a difference within families. Child obesity is a problem in American culture, this campaign is designed to develop strategies and solutions to this generation and the rest to follow.
