In The Media Ecosystem, Antonio Lopez draws together the seemingly
disparate realms of ecology and media studies to present a fresh and
provocative interpretation of the current state of the mass media--and
its potential future. Lopez explores the connections between media and
the environment, arguing that just as the world's powers have seized and
exploited the physical territories and natural resources of the earth,
so, too, have they colonized the cultural commons--the space of ideas
that everyone shares. He identifies the root of the problem in the
privileging of mechanistic thinking over ecological intelligence, which
recognizes that people live in a relationship with every other living
thing on the planet.
In order to create a more sustainable media ecosystem--just like the
preservation of organic ecosystems--we must reconnect our daily media
activities to their impact on others and the environment. To become
organic media practitioners, we must become aware of the impact of media
use on the environment; recognize media's influence on our perception of
time, space, and place; understand media's interdependence with the
global economy; be conscious of media's interaction with cultural
beliefs; and develop an ethical framework in order to act upon these
understandings. Above all, Lopez calls for media producers and consumers
alike to bring a sense of ritual and collaboration back to the process
of communication, utilizing collective intelligence and supporting a new
culture of participation. Containing both wide-reaching analysis and
practical tips for more conscious media use, The Media Ecosystem is
designed for all those who seek a more sustainable future.
The Media Ecosystem is part of the EVOLVER EDITIONS Manifesto Series.
