(Meta)Media - Key Concepts and Characteristics

Bozhidar Valkov  Atanasov

doi:10.46324/PMP2501061

Bozhidar Valkov Atanasov Department of Media and Public Communications, University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5244-3923

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46324/PMP2501061

Keywords: metamedia, remediation, immediacy, digitization, participatory culture

Abstract

The article explores the concept of (meta)media and their role in the modern media ecosystem, linking the visionary ideas of Paul Otlet and Vannevar Bush with contemporary theories by Lev Manovich, Marshall McLuhan, and Henry Jenkins. It emphasizes the importance of the global knowledge network and the "memex" device as the foundation for digital media systems. Key concepts such as immediacy, hypermediality, and remediation explain how new media transform traditional forms. The author highlights the significance of numerical representation, modularity, and automation according to Lev Manovich, as well as participatory culture analyzed by Jenkins. The main conclusion is that metamedia represent an integrative model that unites old and new media, encouraging active user participation and changing the dynamics of content creation and consumption. Further research is recommended on the interconnections between media forms and user interaction to better understand the future of media.

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