About the Author

 About Me: Julia 

My name is Julia but most people refer to me as J. I am in my second semester at University of Maryland. I am majoring in Accounting and I play on the Women’s lacrosse team. I really love being in Maryland and feel so lucky that I live in Harford County, so trips home are possible whenever I need a little break! I have a twin sister named Lydia who is my best friend and my other siblings are twins too. Giovanna and Brendan are 21 and about to graduate this Spring. I have a dog named Finley, and I am his favorite. I lived in Ocean City this past summer and became an expert at scooping ice cream. It was a good job and we got free ice cream, so I can't complain! I LOVE to shop and wish I could buy whatever I want whenever I want! If I had disposable income I would be out of control! But being a college student with a college income I have to control myself.

King Kone 
Photo Credit: Julia Ward 

Lydia and I at Maryland Orientation
Photo Credit: Julia Ward 

Finley
Photo Credit: Julia Ward 

My Family
Photo Credit: Julia Ward 

I have been playing lacrosse since the age of 5. In the second grade when it was time for someone to be the goalie, I instantly volunteered. I have been a lacrosse goalie ever since. I also was a soccer goalie and played field hockey in high school. I wish I had started field hockey sooner because I loved it so much!! I'm excited for the opportunity to play lacrosse at Maryland. It has always been my dream to play in college. Everyday I step on the field I am so grateful to live out my dream! In addition to lacrosse, I love working out. Over the past two years I have been dedicated to Crossfit and I'm proud of my progress and results. Being here at college I don't get to go to Crossfit, so lately I have been really enjoying yoga. I just love being active. So you know where to find me, I'm either playing lacrosse, doing Crossfit, sweating at yoga or taking a walk. I make the most of my days!

photo credit: Julia Ward

My senior year I won the superlative, Most Likely to Go Viral. For a couple years, I have had a food review Tik Tok called Bussin or Disgustin, I review food and say if I like it or not! It always amazes me when I see a stranger in public and they say, "hey aren't you the girl on Tik Tok that reviews food?" My media interests are primarily digital media. The things I source from digital media are social media and streaming of shows. I use Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Netflix on a daily basis. I do also enjoy film media and seeing a great movie but rarely go to the movie theatre. I'd rather watch it from home on my couch! I would say the media I never use is print media. I can't tell you the last time I looked at a magazine or read a book or newspaper for pleasure. 

Photo credit: Julia Ward

4 Questions I hope to get answered from this class:

1. With the advancement of the digital world could traditional tv broadcasting disappear?

It's definitely possible that traditional TV broadcasting could fade or even disappear in the future, but it’s not likely to happen anytime soon. The rise of digital platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and streaming services has already changed how people consume content. These services offer on-demand, personalized programming that traditional TV can’t always match, which is why more people are cutting the cord. However, traditional TV still has a strong presence, especially for live events like sports or news, where real-time broadcasting is still the best option. From the article, The End of Broadcast TV, the author Jeffrey Cole said, "as digital content continues to improve and evolve with things like interactive features and 4K streaming, TV broadcasters will likely need to adapt in order to stay relevant. So while traditional TV might not disappear entirely, its role in media consumption is definitely shifting toward digital integration." 

2. How could newspapers and basic television tap into the popularity of digital media?

Newspapers and basic television could tap into the popularity of digital media by embracing the digital transformation and focusing on building a stronger online presence. The module about digital highlighted that, "for newspapers, creating engaging digital content, such as interactive articles, podcasts, and video content, could help them reach younger audiences who primarily consume news online." They could also use social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with readers directly and increase their reach. For television, embracing streaming platforms and offering on-demand services could help compete with digital-first services. Many networks already have apps and websites where people can watch their shows online, but offering more flexible subscription models or exclusive online content could boost their digital audience. By blending the traditional format with modern digital tools, both industries could stay relevant and attract a younger, tech-savvy audience.

3. Where is the future of our media heading? We know the past, curious what the future will be like.

The future of media is likely to be more immersive, interactive, and personalized than ever before. With advancements in AI and machine learning, we might see more content tailored specifically to individual tastes, where algorithms suggest everything from news stories to entertainment based on past preferences. Navigating the Future of Media by Sarah Robert's article said that "virtual and augmented reality could also play a huge role, offering more immersive experiences where users can interact with media in entirely new ways." Also, social media platforms will likely continue to evolve, with an even greater focus on user-generated content and real-time interactions. As digital technology advances, traditional media outlets may find new ways to blend both online and offline content to keep up with changing consumption habits. The future could see a more democratized media landscape where individuals have more control over what they consume, but also more responsibility to discern reliable information.

4. With the push for environmental consciousness, has print media disappeared because of that, or has digital media and accessibility caused it?

While environmental consciousness has certainly played a role in reducing print media, it’s really the rise of digital media and increased accessibility that has caused the biggest shift. The module article, Is it the end of newspapers? said, "the digital world allows for instant access to news, entertainment, and information without the need for paper, ink, or physical distribution, which makes it a more sustainable option." The environmental benefits of going digital are clear, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with printing, packaging, and shipping. However, print media hasn’t disappeared entirely; many people still prefer physical newspapers or magazines, especially in areas with limited internet access. That said, digital platforms like news apps, websites, and e-readers have become the primary source of information for many, and the shift toward digital media is only accelerating as more people prioritize convenience and instant access over traditional print products.