This piece by Lev Manovich discusses the language of new media across five principles.

First is numerical representation. According to Manovich, new media can be contained to algorithmic manipulation, mathematical form, and function. With the rise of emergent technologies, new media is deeply tied to computerization and digitized contexts.

Second is modularity, known as the “fractal structure of new media”. Elements of new media contain consistent, separate identities intact even when assembled or reassembled. In such way, modularity refers to the atoms that make up the greater picture, or the small independent parts that contribute to the whole but also stand on their own two feet. Notable examples include the World Wide Web (WWW), which extracts separate medias from one given browser.

The first and second principles bring us to our third, automation. Generation of variations, objects, layout, and web pages are some examples of automation taking hold. Although this removes some part of human intentionality, it always gives way for much for ideation and utility.

Variability is our fourth principle, the texts noting its “infinite versions” and iterations of new media arts. Another composite of the first and second principle, variability in medium exists as “production on demand”.

Lastly, transcoding is the fifth and final principle. Following a computer’s organization of data, new media develops through layers, lists, structures and further dimensions shaped by computers.

As told by these five principles, new media is largely influenced and shaped by computer science. The distinguishable trait that draws the line between new media studies and simply media studies is the power of software, and the new integration of tech into various mediums.