The Sound Of One Page Turning

La fornarina by Raphael

A model sits naked before a class of young artists. It could be anywhere at anytime since Raphael painted La fornarina — well almost. The telltale sign (white earplugs) attached to each budding artist, paints a modern picture:

“I think that one of the reasons that I utilize so much media, particularly audio media such as music, is because I can’t stand silence.”

When Raphael crafted his painting in around 1520, the world marched to a very different beat. From his studio, in the distance, the murmur and babble of a market, and perhaps a church choir, harmonised with the breeze and birdcalls. Now, you are hard pressed to hear the world directly before you. Today, to read or paint in silence is exotic — if not near impossible. Reflecting on their headphone usage, one gen Y said:

“I created my insular world, and instead of relating to the people passing me, I cocooned myself in the little white headphones. I distanced myself from the community. Perhaps it was due to the crowds in the shops, which I detest. Perhaps it was to make the walk seem shorter. What I am able to conclude upon, however, is that the need to be occupied is powerful.”

News & Paper

By the time journalism students arrive at university they are already expert consumers of media. As one gen Y reflects:

“13.5. The number of hours in a week I spend texting. 1189. The number of minutes a week I spend online.  22. The number of hours a week I sit in front of the TV. 54,117. The number of seconds a week I listen to my iPod.”

Multitasking media is the norm for this generation:

“In a 24-hour hour period, I accessed over ten different media of varying genres, including television, a mobile phone, DVD, MP3, newspapers and the Internet.”

Back home, mum and dad are betwixt and between old and new media:

“My mum may turn on a computer once a day for her emails and my dad uses his computer only for business purposes.”