The definition of mass communication is the “public transfer of messages through media or technology-driven channels to a large number of recipients” (Survey of Communication Study/Chapter 8 - Mass Communication) Because mass communication uses media and technology, it can be seen in different forms such as print, auditory, visual, interactive media, and social media. These different forms allow a message to reach a much larger audience. Media technology acts as surveillance, it broadcasts news, serves as entertainment, and it transmits cultural values, norms, and behaviors, and validates dominant cultural values. The chart below by the Pew Research Center shows just how prevalent media technology is in our society.
By learning about how broad mass communication, as well as media technology is, I can look at how prevalent it is around me in society and in everything I do. Looking at what I did today is a perfect example. I first woke up to an alarm on my phone in the morning which shuffles songs from my favorite morning playlist. I then went downstairs and made myself some breakfast and then ate while checking my emails. I also checked my phone for texts and briefly went on social media. At the same time, the radio was playing in the background talking about the election results and other current news. I then logged on to class on zoom and connected with my classmates and teacher. After the class was over, I checked if there was any homework due and then got started. After I made some progress in my work and finished a couple of assignments I texted my friends to see what they were up to. We arranged to go over to the park and to play some basketball. I brought my speaker, and on the walk over and while we were playing, I played music. After we were done, we came back to my house and played video games and watched tv until they left. Finally, I loaded up some more music and continued to work on my homework which brings me to where I am currently. Looking at all these things, I am a bit shocked by how much I use different media technologies. It is interesting to think about, however, how these affected me.
(Cai Bowey, Prezi.com)
When I woke up to hearing my favorite morning songs I was instantly in a good mood. Going downstairs, and checking my emails, texts, and homework helped to structure my day. The radio in the background playing NPR which has a slight liberal bias worked subconsciously to shape my views. Going on social media also worked to shape my views as a lot of what I am following are liberal news sites such as CNN or the New York Times. Connecting with my class served an educational purpose. Going to the park and playing music as well as afterward watching tv and playing videogames served as entertainment. Finally, playing music while doing homework helped me to concentrate. As one can see, media technology, shaped my mood, schedule, views/values, and served an educational, and entertainment purpose. Reflecting upon this it is very surprising to me just how much media technology shapes my life. I wonder if me or my values would be any different if this wasn’t the case.
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