Source: theagencycreative.co.uk

It is easy for us to view the field of digital media and literature as antagonistic to traditional print media. We assume that print media cannot exist simultaneously with digital media, and the development of the latter will continue the decline of the former. Yet Dr. Ruth Page, in “Stories of the Self on and off Screen” argues that we must view digital and traditional mediums as being able to coexist. Additionally, we must be able to appreciate the inherent benefits of each, and the potential that digital media has for the future.

In her article, Dr. Page focuses on the concept of the narrative. Particularly, she encourages us to consider the potential benefits of electronic publications for this field of writing. Electronic narratives allow for unique and creative types of narrative expression. Digital writing lends new capabilities that print cannot; adding images, links or even sound to a narrative is often as simple as writing words on a webpage. These new capabilities also lead to different types of interaction from readers. Hyperlinks within pages can send readers to explore new sites related to the narrative, and learn new supplementary information. Because of these capabilities, Dr. Page argues that we must consider the benefits of digital writing just as we would print. The existence of one should not negate or prevent the study of the other.

“As we embrace the potential of electronic literature in the classroom and beyond, we must do so in a manner that respects distinctive features of medium, mode and genre but avoids binary contrast between online and offline forms as if they were unified and monolithic categories.” – Dr. Ruth Page

Rather than shy away from digital writing, I also argue that we must consider and embrace the benefits of the field. Though it has already developed more than many can imagine, the medium still has incredible potential. And the rise of digital media has made literary study more intriguing, not less. Comparing digital and print media makes clearer certain unique aspects of both. Though digital media allows for more creativity through the addition of links, images and sound, print media allows for a more unified narrative experience not interrupted by outside information. Rather than detracting from the appeal of print media, electronic publication enhances the characteristics with which we’re already familiar. The benefit of electronic media, especially clear when compared to print, is its capability for multimedia creativity and expression. The two can coexist, and they serve to enhance the benefits of each other, rather than antagonize them.