Creativity

New media platforms foster creativity by providing different ways in which we can express our ideas, while also exposing us to the thoughts and opinions of others. A NY Times article talks about how Disney helped foster creativity among its users by tolerating YouTube videos that turned their characters into rap stars. Various individuals decided to take clips from animated movies and TV shows to create mash-ups of the song "Crank That." A version taken from "SpongeBob SquarePants" started gaining in popularity and Nickelodeon, the owner of the children's show, encouraged their audience to continue creating more mash videos using their original content. This example shows how social media not only helped foster their imagination, but also allowed users to connect through these iconic characters. Nickelodeon and Disney helped create a community in which individuals can feel inspired as well as inspire others.

"Disney Tolerates a Rap Parody of Its Critters. But Why?" The New York Times