Abstract

The (Late) Age of Print, isn’t so late after all. It is actually the current time we are living in. Today, we use word processing programs such as email, the WorldWideWeb, Google Docs, Microsoft 360 and so much more. “The late age of print characterizes the age we are living in now, where we still use print, but in electronic formats”. (Applen, J.D, pg. 12)  Although we still use print, we tend to lean toward it in digital format at a very high rate. Even in college, textbooks have become digital, yet professors still try to keep traditional print alive by giving out worksheets, or finding information that is only in print form. The late age of print is progressively developing everyday. This new era highlights the tension that arises amongst traditional materials and digital materials. The change has profound implications on how digital texts are produced, consumed, and valued. Which refines notions of literacy, intellectual property and the materiality of media. Exploring this topic will reveal just how important the late age of print is, how it coexists with traditional print and the different scenarios that we live through daily that are because of this late age of print.

The Late Age of Print

Stated previously, the late age of print is the current time we are living in. Books are still being used, but we are now transferring a lot of our traditional print into electronic format. Scholars went from writing by hand, which transitioned to printing, which then became digital print. “For many people, especially scholars, it is important to be able to get their words into print as it confers a higher status on their work”. (Applen, J.D, pg. 13) There is a lot of debate whether or not digitized print will take over traditional print forever, but we aren’t quite there yet. As Applen stated, scholars are still using traditional print as it is still considered higher in the writing world.

Over time, there is definitely a possibility that digital print takes over the writing community. A lot of doctor’s offices are requiring you to fill out patient forms online before setting foot into the office. Especially because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transfer of germs, restaurants have opted for contactless menus in order to keep the spread of germs to a minimum. But, there will still be needs for traditional writing and print. That will be how traditional print and the late age of print continue to coexist amongst one another.

Can Traditional Print and The Late Age Of Print Coexist?

This era describes a transitional era where traditional print can coexist amongst digital technology. Traditional print takes a hand, a pen or pencil and some paper. Over many years this has transformed into hands and keyboards that work together to create digital work. Digital work can be shared amongst numerous people across numerous platforms in order to gain traction to someone’s initial idea. New digital work and technology have redefined the way that people engage with texts, which emphasize speed, interconnectivity and user participation. Digital spaces allow for real time updates, as original print does not.

However, “because of the permanence of traditional printed material, we somehow imagine these texts as unchanging monuments produced by authors who loomed above us”. (Applen, J.D pg. 13) No matter how hard we try, there will always be a need for traditional texts or works. Simply, there are certain works that will only ever be able to be used on paper. That is where remediation comes into play. Remediation is when a newer form of media takes some aspects of its previous form. In certain softwares such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, the image of a blank paper takes the place of a traditional piece of paper. To begin typing, you also need to decide on a font style and size, which that ability corresponds to handwriting. Everyone’s is different whether it be cursive, regular print, or has a distinct slant. Remediation is what allows traditional print and late age to coexist amongst each other.

Late Age of Print in Today’s Scenarios

Today, we see various ways as to how the late age of print is taking over today’s society. The COVID-19 pandemic, during 2020, changed the way we live today. A lot of restaurants are using digital menus, where a QR code is needed to retrieve it on your phone. Airports have gone digital as well. You need to download the app of your airline of choice and are able to check-in 24-hours before your flight. After doing so, that is when you receive your boarding pass. High schools and colleges have been using e-books rather than textbooks. In stores now, at check-out there are options to whether you want a printed receipt or a digital one that is emailed to you. Handwritten letters that take days to deliver have become electronic mail (e-mail) that is received within seconds. Homework is submitted and graded online which sends a notification to your phone about submission and grade status.

These are all scenarios that we have all lived through. Technology will only become more advanced. In the near future, these scenarios will have an addition at the end of them to tell what is being done for the same result. The late age of print is a reflection of humanity’s growing relationship with technology and the need for different forms of communication and expression. Newer forms of technology also make it easier for people with disabilities to create and share just as others. Society is navigating this balance everyday and it will only continue to grow from here.

 In Conclusion

In conclusion, the late age of print is the age we are living through now. It coexists with traditional print and we live through scenarios daily that are a result of it. At times, the late age of print tends to underscore the ongoing back and forth between traditional and digital media. Late age of print has changed how we create, share and retain information, while traditional print serves as our touchstone. Traditional print is reliable, permanent, and is the step stone for where we are today. Since they are able to coexist, it highlights the adaptations of print finding niche roles. Nonetheless, since they are able to exist independently and dependently, their unique contributions are emphasized.