Podcasts have never been more popular and accessible. All consumable media has only been around for 20 years, but it is constantly growing and evolving. Platforms like Vine, Facebook, and MySpace started the social media craze, but now Instagram and TikTok are the frontrunners. But over the past few years, I've noticed that podcasts have made their way onto my girlfriend's YouTube, Spotify, and even his Instagram feed. While short-form video still exists, long-form content such as podcasts is appearing in mainstream media more than ever before.
Evan Hughes, Virginia Tech's assistant director of broadcast services and host of the podcast “Hokie Sports Insider,” provides insight into the world of podcasting, how unique it is, and why it won't be phased out soon. To do.
“The media is a very important tool today,” Hughes said.
Podcasts are available in two ways: visual or auditory. Audio podcasts are better known and have been around for a long time. This is the first thing people think of when they hear the word “podcast.” Video podcasts are also an option for consumers. It provides the same audio as a standard podcast, but also has a visual aspect that connects the audience more with the host and guests. Visual podcasting uses a camera to capture individuals on a podcast set, and podcast microphones and equipment record audio. The first podcasts that come to mind are “Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain,” “The Colin and Samir Show,” and “Cancelled.” These podcasts publish both visual and auditory versions of the podcast. Podcasts come in a variety of categories, including self-help, true crime/investigation, religion, sports, and more. Subjectively, these may not be the most helpful or informative, but they are well known for their humor and light-hearted dialogue.
The dominant media often tells us what is funny, what is not, what is emotional, what is disturbing, what is thought-provoking. Her long-style YouTube videos can easily be compared to visual podcasts, but YouTube content always tries to grab and hold the viewer's attention. Podcasts have become a part of people's daily lives, but they are a less harmful and more fun way to inform consumers. What makes podcasts great is the storytelling aspect, the attention to audio and visual detail, and the ability to provide authentic conversation and allow viewers to draw their own conclusions.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Listening to more podcasts and engaging socially with podcasts are associated with the presence of greater meaning, and forming parasocial relationships with hosts is associated with greater It has to do with a sense of relatedness.”
Choosing a podcast over other forms of media provides another level of intimacy. Many podcasts aim to have real, authentic conversations, something you don't often see in other media programs. The podcasts “Anything Goes'' and “Colin & Samir'' succeed by bringing meaningful questions to the forefront of the conversation while keeping it interesting and lighthearted. Visual podcasts allow viewers and hosts to establish a connection that lasts 1-2 hours through body language, visual stimulation/graphics, and openness to the camera. Like “The Broski Report,” “Cancelled,” or “Impaulsive,” it deepens your connection with your audience by making them feel like you're in the room. By keeping it real, with constant laughs, and topics that many people can relate to, these podcasts all keep viewers coming back for more.
Another benefit is that you can listen to podcasts on the go. Just like music, listening to podcasts doesn't require your eyes to be glued to the screen, leaving your hands free to do chores and activities. It's stimulating, but not in an overwhelming way. Personally, I like to listen to podcasts during homework breaks, doing boring chores, or when I want to connect with the online world. By listening to podcasts, you can do all these things without being exposed to numerous advertisements or getting distracted and losing track of time. Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram can be done while multitasking, but it's difficult. It reduces our awareness of our surroundings, prevents us from retaining content effectively, and disconnects us from reality. Many of us, myself included, waste a lot of time getting hooked on something we can live without.
According to The Varsity, “It's important to take control of your social media use and make conscious choices about how you deal with it.” Being intentionally aware of our unnatural habits can help This is the first step in understanding the control of intake.
“At the end of the day, we're all storytellers, and podcasts are another form of storytelling,” Hughes said.
Podcasters can build worlds through dialogue and bring something new to the table without making it addictive. Podcasts allow consumers to enjoy media without consuming it all.
Instant gratification overshadows many things in today's society. Learning how to slow down and enjoy media without too much negative impact is a great way to improve this unnatural habit. Turning to podcasts, whether auditory or visual, is a great tool for enjoying media and what it has to offer while maintaining a safe distance from the toxicity it can bring.
Podcasts don't have to be the only media you consume. It's a little unrealistic. But podcasts are one of the best and most positive ways to enjoy what the online world has to offer.
“Podcasting is the way of the future, especially when it's distributed on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. That's where people listen to music. It's nice to have it there. It's going to be the way of the future, for decades to come. That presence will continue to grow,” Hughes said.
The next time you find yourself habitually on Instagram or TikTok, listen to or watch a podcast instead and enjoy a platform that thrives on long-form media content, authentic dialogue, and a supportive community. Please consider. It's important to be mindful of the media we're taking in, how we're consuming it, and checking out podcasts from time to time.
