Impacts and Influence of Modern Technology on Contemporary Literature

Modern technology undeniably affects every aspect of life, including the way we create, share, and consume literature. The seismic shift that technology has instigated in contemporary literature serves as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has opened up new avenues for creativity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Conversely, it has contributed to significant challenges, altering the classic methods of reading, interpreting, and circulating literary works.

Creation and Distribution of Contemporary Literature

Perhaps the most transformative impact of technology on literature rests in how it has revolutionized the process of creating and distributing content. Word processing technologies have played a significant role in democratizing the authorship process, making it easier for anyone to write, edit and review literary works. This broadens the pool of writers, allowing for a more diverse range of voices to be heard.

Platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing empower writers to self-publish, bypassing traditional publishing barriers. Podcasts, audiobooks and eBooks have all become increasingly popular modes of ingesting literature, marking a shift in how literature is consumed.

Influence on Various Literature Genres

Technology has influenced various literature genres. For instance, science fiction has greatly profited from technological advancements, with authors drawing inspiration from current breakthroughs to construct future scenarios. The cyberpunk genre, with its technologically advanced dystopian societies, is a direct output of this.

On the other hand, the advent of online blogging and social media has fueled an explosion in personal and confessional writing, as seen in genres such as memoir and autobiographical fiction. These real-time platforms have given birth to a new genre termed 'InstaPoetry', where writers such as Rupi Kaur have found immense success.

Impacts and Influence: Positive and Negative

While technology's influence on literary creation and consumption is profound, it is not without its negatives. The digitization of literature, though increasing accessibility, has led to a decrease in physical bookstores. Many challenge that the sensory experience of reading physical books cannot replicated on a digital screen.

Moreover, the ease of online self-publishing has flooded the market with literature of varying quality, making it harder for readers to sift through and find quality content. However, the benefits, including wider spread of literary works and a more diverse and inclusive literature landscape, arguably make up for challenges posed.

Conclusion

Ultimately, technological advancements have irrevocably altered the landscape of contemporary literature, driving both transformation and development. As we continue to navigate this digital age, constant evaluation is required to harness the benefits of technology whilst mitigating its potential drawbacks.