Abstract
The digital content that constitutes the main material of the participatory culture put the digital storytelling concept with the creation of digital stories to the agenda. Users exhibit digital narratives as part of participatory culture by combining their imagination skills, editing skills, problem solving skills, creators, ideas they want to tell or share, with the possibilities provided by digital media. In the scope of the study, the elements of digital storytelling, communication, and public relations which are used by different disciplines are emphasized. In the context of these elements, examples of communication and public relations in the world and in Turkey are being interpreted. As a result, the digital storytelling activities that are important in the participatory culture are evaluated in terms of their reflection on communication and public relations practices, contribution to the field, and the aspects that need to be considered.
TopThe structure of digital medium for establishing a network makes the information possible to disseminate to many users at the same time. This is effective in rapid change of capabilities of media technologies. In other words, digitalization creates an environment for transfer of information to different platforms. Mass media such as traditional media (television, radio, print) can bring similar qualities to digital platforms beyond preserving their different identities. For example, the text in a website having a printed media content, the relationship between radio and video images in digital media and television and similar content links (Hartley, 2002, p. 165). Therefore, in the new world order, traditional media technologies are adapted to digital media technologies and interactive communication is driven by digital medium users. Digital media emphasizes the importance of communication on the basis of social development.
Communication is promoted as a goal of development. It empowers people, allows for dialogue and expression, and provides outward reflection while increasing awareness of social and structural problems. New communication technologies and local content productions offer many opportunities and possibilities. The 2006 World Congress on Communication for Development (WCCD) states to policy makers that communication is an important basis for development and social change. (Tacchi, Watkins and Keerthirathne, 2009, pp. 14-15). At this point, one of the most important ways of communication that will be established in the target groups is the stories which is formed by experience. The stories to have a place on minds is important in terms of conveying the message. More importantly, addressing the target audience with emotional storytelling makes communication more effective.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Digital Narrative: Creating a digital story about personal or narrative expressions, myths, historical stories, etc.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Creating a collaboration with the other participations and discussing on possible solutions or orders.
Persuasive: Using different types of narrative style (analyze, compare, focus on conclude, cause/effect, etc.).
Do It Yourself: Creating something yourself in digital media.
Affiliations: Having a membership in social media or digital environments.
Circulations: Having a power to affect the media flowing with digital tools.
Expression: Producing a new creative forms with digital environments.
Digital Information/Expository: Telling short stories about biographies, summary or one subject or explaining it.