Exploration of How Digital Media and Technology are Changing Narrative Forms and Literary Consumption
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61506/01.00486Keywords:
Digital media, interactive storytelling, literary consumption, nonlinear narratives, reader engagement, multimedia narratives, transmediaAbstract
This study explores how digital media and technology are transforming narrative forms and literary consumption. With the rise of e-books, audiobooks, interactive narratives, and social media platforms, traditional linear storytelling is evolving into more interactive and participatory formats. Readers are no longer passive consumers but active participants, shaping narratives through real-time feedback and collaborative storytelling on platforms like Wattpad. The study employs a qualitative, exploratory research design, including interviews, focus groups, and observational analysis, to examine how digital platforms influence reader engagement and narrative structure. Key findings highlight the shift toward nonlinear, reader-driven narratives and the growing role of multimedia in storytelling. Additionally, the research underscores how these changes are democratizing literature, allowing diverse voices to reach global audiences without traditional publishing barriers. The study concludes by discussing the implications for authors, publishers, and literary institutions, as well as offering recommendations for future research on emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality in storytelling.
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