Sound fixations, genres and media. A reflection on the internet and the uses of sound

Abstract

Through the Internet, we can access a vast, diverse, and constantly growing array of sound fixations, alongside a large number of techniques, technologies, and tools that allow for the creation, storage, and editing of those sound fixations. The particularities of this array of sound fixations, together with the modular nature of sound files and the ever-growing connectivity, empower users by enabling them to generate and manipulate sounds, explore different media types, languages, and genres, and craft hybrid expressions. The identification of how users employ the sound fixations with which they interact daily seems, in principle, a restricted area for research. Nevertheless, in many instances, these uses are discernible and shed light on platform-driven conditioning and user empowerment levels. This article aims to present an introductory exploration of the uses of sound fixations on the Internet by distinguishing them into recommended, conditioned, and effective uses. For this purpose, we scrutinize the recommendation systems of music platforms; playlists tailored to accompany, stimulate, or deter specific activities; voice messages generated through instant messaging applications; a particular website hosting sound fixations; and a YouTube channel featuring animation videos. The concepts of intermediality and hybridization are central to this journey.