Chapter 25 - Media Ecology

Question 1

Symbolic Environment

Answer 1

The socially constructed, sensory world of meanings

Question 2

Media

Answer 2

Generic term for all man-made technologies that extends the range, speed, or channels of communication

Question 3

Medium

Answer 3

A specific type of media; for example a book, newspaper, radio, television, telephone, film, website, or email

Question 4

Media Ecology

Answer 4

The study of different personal and social environments created by the use of different communication technologies

Question 5

Technology

Answer 5

According to Marshall McLuhan, human interventions that enhance communication

Question 6

Overdetermination or Equifinality

Answer 6

Equifinity; a systems theory assumption that a given outcome could be effectively caused by any or many interconnected factors

Question 7

Tribal Age

Answer 7

An acoustic era; a time of community because the ear is the dominant sense organ

Question 8

Literary Age (1500BCE-1450BCE)

Answer 8

A visual era; a time of private detachment because the eye is the dominant sense organ

Question 9

Print Age (1450-1850)

Answer 9

A visual era; mass produced books usher in the industrial revolution and nationalism, yet individuals are isolated

Question 10

Electronic Age (1850-Present)

Answer 10

An era of instant communication; a return to the global village will all-at-once sound and touch

Question 11

Global Village

Answer 11

A worldwide electronic community where everyone knows everyone’s business and all are somewhat testy

Question 12

Digital Age

Answer 12

A possible fifth of specialized electronic tribes contentious over diverse beliefs and values

Question 13

Faustian Bargain

Answer 13

A deal with the devil; selling your soul for temporary earthly gain

Question 14

Media Determinism

Answer 14

Tendency to draw cause-and-effect relationships between media and social effects