Her Campus UChicago On the World in 2012: Media

2011 has finally gone, leaving us to wonder what 2012 has in store for the world. Will the economy get better? What do the runways have in store for this year? And, of course, will the world actually end?
 
While we can’t see the future (would be cool, though), we at Her Campus UChicago definitely have our own predictions for what the world will look like in 2012. From politics to the movies, we highlight SOME of 2012’s possible events while leaving the rest to your imagination. A lot happens in a year so we weren’t able to cover everything, but hopefully our predictions remain more or less accurate. Each day we’ll cover one spectrum, starting with politics, then the economy, media, fashion, science, and finally, movies, highlighting what we believe will be the best thing about 2012, something that could go either way, and the worst.
 
But one thing we are sure of? The world isn’t going to end.
 
Happy New Year, and good reading.

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MEDIA
 
The best thing about this year: VIDEO GAMES
 
Nowadays, it’s getting increasingly difficult to retain our traditional image of “the gamer.” Instead of a thin, pale boy obsessed with his game console, “the gamer” can now be a man in his 50s, a girl under the age of ten, or even a professional in his 30’s who just wants to relax. Video games may have started out with a very small niche, but in recent years their popularity has skyrocketed and created a mega-industry that we believe will be the future of media.
 

With the Internet and, more recently, smartphones, video games have become more accessible and now cover a wider variety of subject matter. This has made gaming much more appealing to the general public, especially in the U.S. and Asia where the majority of sales take place. Now, gamers of all ages can enjoy the likes of Angry Birds and Starcraft 2 – to name a few of the industry’s biggest names – and are no longer limited to the shoot-em-ups and RPGs that previously defined gaming.
 
Come 2012, the gaming industry could be taking advantage of new technologies like the iPad, and creators will continue finding innovative ways of enticing audiences. Even if you don’t consider yourself a gamer right now, expect to become one this year.
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Could go either way: FACEBOOK’S IPO LAUNCH
 
After years of building its global empire, Facebook will go public by launching an IPO (initial public offering) as many websites did in the 90’s Internet boom. With more than 800 million active users and rivals like Google+ breathing down their necks, the Facebook staff will seek to acquire more money and publicity by making company ownership public.
 
While private investors’ enormous stake in Facebook may make the IPO worthwhile, 2012’s economic forecast could eventually reveal that the social media giant didn’t get its timing just right. Financial markets are predicted to experience just as much, if not more, turmoil than in 2011, which will only deter the consumption and investment necessary to keep companies securely afloat. This discouragement could force Facebook to underprice its IPO in a bid to attract buyers, leaving millions on the table that could have gone to the platform.
 
And Facebook won’t be the only one stuck in such a risky situation. Multiple web firms around the world, especially in China, will also seek listings in 2012. Whether or not their IPOs will create profit or a huge financial hole is still unpredictable, as the markets will ultimately determine the outcome.
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NOT looking forward to: CONTINUED LAPSE OF JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY
 
Though unethical reporting has always existed, Murdoch’s News of the World hacking scandal was an enormous controversy that forced us to re-examine the morals of journalism. Yet despite the public outcry, not much will change in a system where reporters will overstep to deliver the main headline, and readers will – in full knowledge or completely unaware – continue to support them.
 

In spite of the allegations Murdoch will retain most, if not all, his previous News International corporate empire and hence remain a key proponent of whatever-goes journalism. More phone-hacking incidents and the like will be unveiled during 2012, but media moguls will unlikely be held with any real accountability. Meanwhile, the thought of boycotting media outlets known for their unethical means of reporting may arise, but readers’ need for 24/7, up-to-date information will probably prevail and they will buy the tabloids that characterized the hacking scandal.