Effects Of Mass Media Paper

Effects of Mass Media
Samantha James
HUM/186
August, 2010
Chris Hamilton

At a steady pace, mass media progressed over time; new emerging technology is changing the way people view the world. Before, the modern forms of media came to pass, people viewed media through verbal interaction and writing. Today, media is seen in many forms: television, radio, cellular devices, Internet, satellites, newspapers, and many more. To understand mass media completely, the focus must shift toward the major developments in the evolution of mass media in the last century, America’s influence from the major developments, the meaning behind media convergence, and the implications toward everyday life.

In the last century, the evolution of mass media advanced rapidly. During this time, many developments surfaced some developments more than others. Throughout the expansion of mass media the telegraph, telephone, and radio emerged. The telegraph and telephone were a method of long distant communication transmitted through wires to receive and give information. Radio sent out information to places unreachable by wires from a telegraph or telephone. Using the radio, telegraph, and telephone as forms of communication allowed newly developed nations to inflate their military, financial power, and broadcast information in expedient time. In the past people used phonographs a musical instrument as another means of mass media. As middle-class individuals and families started to grow sociably and financially their leisurely interest peaked. Newspapers and magazines merged together to make communication more advanced and effective. Newspapers and magazines became another source for individuals to locate information. Television and film is another major development of the last century, which brought about many changes. Television allowed everyone a visual picture of the circumstances going on around them through informational and entertainment news. Film simply enhanced the visuals and effects of what people saw on regular television. Bigger and brighter than television, creativity and creative direction was more acceptable in film. Thus far, the Internet is the biggest mass media development people have seen in the last century. Other ways to communicate emerged because of the persistent efforts of creators. E-mail, instant messaging, web chatting, social networking, and advertising connect to the dynamics of the Internet. Over the progression of time, society has relied heavily on the Internet to stay connected to family and friends. The Internet also plays a pivotal role in people’s access to reliable and resourceful information. The discovery of new information is approaching as mass media will continue to grow exponentially.

The developments of the last century placed information in the palm of society hands. Not only did the improvements of the last century influence American culture, but also these advancements changed individual’s assessment and outlook on the world. Today, the use of the telegraph no longer exists. The telephone is still a functioning electronic communication device many people continue to use. With the innovations of technology, society uses cellular and smart phone devices for prompt response. Owning a cellular device or smart phone allows people to stay connected to family, friends, personal, and business matters. Smart phones give individuals the option to send e-mail, text messages, instant chat, and picture mail, as another way to interact with each other. Face-to-face contact is less commonly seen due to the progress of cellular devices. The radio evolved into a broad communications system. The structure of radio continues to supply people with information. The demand for diversity in information changed; everything from sports news, live feed games, music of many genres, religion stations, radio shows, local news channels, and advertisements is heard on radio. Still today the original sounds of music continue to circulate and transform. The variety of music has broadened, opening the doors for an array of talent to take flight. Once titled a phonograph, is better known as a turntable today; for entertainment purposes DJ’s use turntables. Modern times now, music is played on compact disc instead of record players or cassette taps. As technology developed pass radios, citizens played music through compact disc players, portable compact disc players, computers, and digital video disc. Newspaper and magazine options have multiplied. Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post are a few from many newspapers that circulate in several states. Magazines have grown from the typical format of the past. Nowadays, editorial, home décor, parenting, cooking, high fashion, sports, celebrity gossip, and children magazines are the trending topics people find in the magazines. Regardless of the type of newspaper or magazine; political, economic, and social issues are still addressed. The types of television sets emerged from black and white to color, analog to display, and high definition. The display of television sets slowly revolutionized from tube to plasma, liquid crystal display to light emitting diode, and three dimensional. Television is available through broadband, satellite, and digital service providers. Through time film has taken many names cinema, movies, and motion pictures. Motion pictures developed gradually to the most important tools of communication, entertainment, and mass media in the 20th and 21st century. The Internet changed how rapidly consumers obtained information. Instead of snail mail and newspapers, every few seconds or minutes news and information is updated. The Internet has replaced traditional methods of media such as newspapers, local news, and radio. Today, society is completely dependent on the Internet as the primary source of information more than ever before.
The term media convergence stems from specialist and critics utilizing the term to illustrate the transformation from traditional media content, to modern media content, and media companies. The Internet is now the facilitator of e-mails, television, radio, music, movies, and news from the design of pads, smart phone devices, computers, and laptops. Media convergence in the world of business is changing the way consumers receive service. From cable television, Internet access, and telephone service consumers options to enhance the experience of media is expanding.
Technology will continue to revolutionize areas of mass media as time shifts. Due to the approaching developments of future media; media literacy is an essential skill citizens must acquire. To prepare for the inevitable growth of media, people must employ effective critiquing, analyzing, comprehension, and evaluation proficiencies too successfully keep up with the demands of mass media.

References

Aqili, S. V., & Nasiri, B. (2010, August). Technology and the Need for Media Literacy Education in the Twenty First Century. European Journal of Social Science, 15(3), 449-456. Academic Search Complete.

Hobbs, R. (2011, May/June). Empowering Learners with Digital and Media Literacy. Knowledge Quest, 39(5), 12-17. Academic Search Complete.

Campbell, R., Martin, C., & Fabos, B. (2012). Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communications (8th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

References: Aqili, S. V., & Nasiri, B. (2010, August). Technology and the Need for Media Literacy Education in the Twenty First Century. European Journal of Social Science, 15(3), 449-456. Academic Search Complete. Hobbs, R. (2011, May/June). Empowering Learners with Digital and Media Literacy. Knowledge Quest, 39(5), 12-17. Academic Search Complete. Campbell, R., Martin, C., & Fabos, B. (2012). Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communications (8th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.