“Instead of identical copies, a new media object typically gives rise to many different versions.” This is a quote from Manovich’s fourth principle, “Variability.” I chose this quote because what resonates with me the most about new media and technology is how accessible and vast creation can be. I look at TikTok, for example, as one of my creative outlets and also something I consume myself for entertainment, and I see how, although I and many others make videos with similar concepts or topics, the result comes out very different. And this is just within the same time frame. If we were to compare video content of now with videos from 10 years ago, there are major differences in results. Video lengths were different, editing software was not as easily accessible, and software features have advanced much since then. The advancement of new media and technology go hand in hand and it fosters more and more creation, as people are able to express their thoughts easier and it becomes more and more specific to the creator themselves.
On a more personal level, my own content varies greatly, with different intentions, like if I were to be making videos for a school-related account or my own personal account. I am able to link different things to the videos, and also algorithms will draw people toward the video while simultaneously linking it to other searches and videos, furthering the overall experience even more. I may choose to use more formal front texts in school-related accounts to make it more legible, but in my own content, I don’t have to be so formal and am able to play around with my options more. I am able to deliver different experiences with the touch of my finger. Overall, variability is the principle that I wanted to write about the most because of how easily I see it reflected in my day-to-day life.
