미디어의 물질성에 대한 한 해석: 매클루언과 신유물론의 비교를 통해

초록

In a reality where the speed and intensity of artificial intelligence approaching us far exceed experts’ expectations, the question of what this new media is further drives the need for discussions on new materialism. New materialism is particularly attractive to those studying media because it offers the possibility of expanding the scope of understanding through the material existence of media and overcoming the limitations of human-centered (anthropocentrism) media studies. This research compares the thoughts of Innis and McLuhan on media with the core claims of new materialism, exploring whether elements of a new materialist media theory can be found within their ideas. By following the key concepts presented by McLuhan and juxtaposing them with the core claims of new materialism, this study aims to show that his media theory can be interpreted as a new materialist media theory. By examining media through the ontological principles of material existence, this research seeks to point out the limitations of the existing human-centered understanding of media and to reveal that understanding new media from a human-centered perspective can lead to misunderstandings. On the surface, it seems that changes in human will, perception, or cognitive ability determine how media and technology are understood and utilized. However, in reality, the material environment surrounding humans drives these changes. In other words, the relationship between new technological-material environments and humans brings about changes in how humans perceive technology or media. This study critically reviews the human-centered perspectives that have formed the basis of previous interpretations, organizing the points shared by the core claims of new materialism to explore what ‘the agency of media’ entails. Based on this, it examines how McLuhan’s media theory can be expanded and reinterpreted in light of the previously reviewed content.

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