Hotline Bling and "Common Sense"

Overtime, social media platforms have developed fostering intersocietal connectivity across society. Various ‘media modes of production’ have developed, consequently influencing communicative practices and environments. During the eighteenth century, Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense,” sparked communication throughout society. The pamphlet was extremely influential in connecting the public and was disseminated quickly as a result of sharing it with friends, family and neighbours (Standage 141).  Paine is significant to the American Revolution as he enabled “Common Sense,” to be easily accessible to the public and thus fostered growth and change. Although distribution and consumption of social media during the 18^th century differs from current social media, we can draw upon some common similarities. The first articulation of modes of production including mode of communication, modes of affect and mode of accumulation are all present in Paines pamphlet. Society did indeed consume the message Paine was setting forth. Furthermore, this message was disseminated and circulated throughout the public sphere. This parallels the second articulation associated with the concept media mode of production.

            In today’s society social media is inescapable. The public is extremely infatuated with social media and therefore, heavily influenced and consumed by it. Social media has the ability to speak volumes and is extremely instantaneous due to the nature of technology embedded in contemporary society. For instance, Drake’s new Hotline Bling music video went viral almost immediately. Not only did the public share the original video, various memes were created and disseminated across the globe. Although contemporary social media can be recreated and shared more rapidly, the concept of media mode of production is still relevant in contemporary society. Hotline bling most definitely exhibits a mode of communication and emotion with the viewer. In addition, mode of accumulation and consumption are evident as a result of the video.  As noted above, the advancement of technology has had a noteworthy effect on social media in contemporary society. Social media has become virtually instantaneous. Individuals have the ability to share, edit, or completely appropriate media that is available to them. Technology has had a significant effect on social media in contemporary society.