Blog #3 - Bias of Communication

 According to Innis, space-biased media are more modern media that relay information to a mass audience and conquer far distances. Space-biased media is however more short-lived than time-biased media. Time-biased media can include media like stone tablets, manuscripts, or clay which are made to withstand time as they are more permanent or long-lasting. The media artifact that is more space-biased is the virtual tour of Vimy Ridge on the Government of Canada’s website. This virtual tour defies distance and enables those worldwide to see the memorial without having to be there physically. The photos and short clips of the monument are all more modern media that relay information to a mass audience as defined by Innis. At the same time, however, one could argue that these virtual tours have an aspect of time-biased media because it involves the monument itself which is time-biased. The combination of using space and time-biased media to create this virtual experience is what helps visitors further understand how Canada was shaped. The video by CBC takes on a more space-biased media form as the video can be quickly disseminated around the world and is a short-lived, informative form of communication. The video helps to explain the background and history of Vimy Ridge to those around the world without having to be at the monument. The video is much more informative than the virtual tour taking a more interactive approach to its visitors.


Question: Do you think people can fully immerse themselves or understand the importance and history of Vimy Ridge through a virtual tour or do you think that individuals need to experience the original, time-biased version of the monument by seeing and experiencing it in real life?

Comments

  1. JustinCoutoOctober 27, 2022 at 10:19 AM

    Great question. While I do not think one can fully immerse themself into the environment of Vimy Ridge through a virtual tour, I think that the numerous virtual tours and videos that you can find online are sufficient enough to supply many Canadians with insight into a very important moment in our countries history. If you are able to visit the site in person, I am sure you would feel more of the emotion and form a deeper connection with it. I do however believe that virtual tours and online videos about the battle and the memorial can provide you so much more detail and more history behind the battle that you would not know otherwise. There are so many educational and informative YouTube videos on the battle that I would encourage all who want to learn more to check out.

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  2. Maggie MerawOctober 28, 2022 at 12:22 PM

    Hey Megan, great question!
    I think by websites including different elements such as virtual tours of famous landmarks such as the Vimy Ridge Memorial, people can gain a much deeper understanding than simply viewing images or videos online. I believe a virtual tour is more reliable and informative than just viewing photos and videos since it removes a lot of uncertainty from photos and allows visitors to explore the area from different viewpoints. With the virtual tour, individuals who cannot visit the landmark in person can see the extent of the memorial and immerse themselves in understanding the significance and impact of this monument, which is still relevant today.
    I agree with Justin's comment above, in that I do not believe one can fully immerse themselves into a virtual tour to the same extent as if one were visiting the monument in person. I think he made very strong points in explaining how although it remains a beneficial factor, it doesn’t provide an emotional experience to the same extent. Although I think that the aspects of virtual tours are great, compared to being in the present environment, it doesn't offer the same sensations, especially when it comes to seeing, and first-hand experiencing the landscape.
    Overall great post!

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