Definition of the Mass Media

This is my 2^nd blog for my Intro to Mass Communications class.

                This class is all about the mass media and mass communication.  The book states that mass media are technologies that carry messages to a large number of people.  Prime examples of mass media are the telephone, the television, the radio, and the internet.  Every person owns at least one of the previous listed items, and thus they rely on such to gain access to lots of information.  The process by which information is given and received by the audience and mass media is called mass communication.  With all the different technologies that we use as mass media, we are involved in mass communication as often as we even breathe.  Mass Communication is a huge aspect of our lives.

                Technology and the media grow and become more advanced over time.  Therefore, mass communication constantly revolutionizes like never before.  Hundreds of years ago, the only means of communication was by word of mouth or written letters, transported via horseback, which would take days or even weeks to reach out.  With the inventions of trains, automobiles, and airplanes, messages could be transported much faster.  Later, mass communication was revolutionized with the invention of the personal computer and the internet.  Written letters were less reliable, since people could just send emails over the World Wide Web, so they could reach their destinations almost instantly.  However, advancements in technology made way for much broader means of communications.  People wanted to become instantly connected with information and other people from around the world.  The development of online chat rooms and webcams allowed people half a world apart to communicate with each other.  Websites such as MySpace (not anymore), Facebook, Twitter, and various blogs have allowed a person to instantly let large amounts of people know various information, and even receive feedback. 

                Without Mass Communication, we could still be like cavemen!  Mass Communication is a part of our lives like the hair on our head (if you’re bald, you should know what I mean anyway).