In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the popularity of traditional forms of media like television and film among younger audiences. According to a report from Nielsen, the average time spent watching traditional TV among viewers aged 18-24 decreased from 4 hours and 22 minutes in 2011 to just 2 hours and 37 minutes in 2019. Similarly, a study by eMarketer found that the number of US teens who watch television on a daily basis is projected to decline by 5.5% per year.
At the same time, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of interactive content, such as video games, virtual reality experiences, and social media platforms. According to a report from Newzoo, the global gaming market is expected to reach $217.9 billion this year, with mobile gaming accounting for nearly half of all revenues. Similarly, a survey by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of US teens report using social media, with Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube being the most popular platforms.
One reason for the decline of traditional media and the rise of interactive content is the role of intrinsic motivation in engagement and learning. Interactive content is often designed to be more engaging and personalized, allowing users to actively participate in the experience and providing feedback that can enhance their motivation and learning outcomes. For example, video games often include rewards and challenges that encourage players to keep playing and improve their skills over time. Similarly, social media platforms allow users to create and share content that is relevant to their interests and connect with others who share those interests.
In contrast, traditional forms of media like film and TV can be more passive and less engaging, offering limited opportunities for interaction or personalization. While there are certainly exceptions, such as interactive documentaries or choose-your-own-adventure films, these are still relatively rare compared to the wealth of interactive content available on digital platforms.