New Technologies in Health Communication

Abstract

The convergence of computers, television, and telecommunications in one information superhighway is being heralded as the cure-all for much of America's economic and even social ills. Whether or not this is true, the health communication professional will have to know how to harness the new media technologies, how to create multiple messages that meet the demands of a society that is moving away from mass communication to multichannel networks (500+ in television alone). Today's communication professional has to be aware of a whole range of options, ranging from CD-I (compact disc-interactive) to HDTV (high-definition television). Only then can he or she choose the right vehicle(s) for the right preventive message, based on the right health education programs. Understanding the new media is key to the diffusion of information. Knowledge will indeed mean power, albeit remaining short of a general panacea for success.