Concept Qs Flashcards
Explain the concept of ‘The Medium is the Message’ and provide an example.
‘The Medium is the Message,’ coined by Marshall McLuhan, argues that the method of communication (the medium) is as influential as the content itself. For example, a televised news story elicits a different response than reading the same news in print due to the emotional impact of visuals and sound.
How does media historiography differ from media history?
Media history studies the evolution of various communication forms, while media historiography analyzes how the past of media is written and interpreted, examining the biases and perspectives that shape historical narratives.
Describe the connection between media materiality and accessibility, using a historical example.
Media materiality, encompassing the physical components of media, affects accessibility. Historically, expensive printing presses restricted book publishing to the wealthy, in contrast to the internet, which allows broader idea sharing.
Why are reliable sources essential for informed decision-making? Give two characteristics of a reliable source.
Reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals or reputable news outlets, are crucial for avoiding misinformation and making informed choices. They are characterized by accuracy, fact-checking, and transparency regarding sources.
Briefly explain ‘media life’ and its impact on our understanding of ourselves.
‘Media life’ acknowledges the pervasive nature of media in our daily routines, blurring the line between our lived experiences and media consumption. This constant engagement shapes our worldview, relationships, and self-perception.
How does self-presentation theory apply to social media?
Self-presentation theory posits that individuals manage their public image like a performance. On social media, this manifests through carefully curated profiles and posts aimed at presenting an idealized version of oneself.
Use an example to illustrate the principle of supply and demand in the context of media.
The principle of supply and demand dictates media pricing. A newly released film often commands a high price due to strong demand. As availability increases and demand wanes, the price typically drops.
What is the focus of political economy in relation to media?
Political economy investigates the interconnectedness of money, power, and media, examining media ownership, profit generation, and the subsequent influence on content creation and dissemination.
How does production culture help us understand the final product of media content?
Production culture sheds light on the behind-the-scenes processes of media creation. Understanding teamwork, deadlines, budgetary constraints, and creative decisions within a specific production environment allows for a deeper comprehension of the final media product.
Describe two ways platform capitalism generates profit.
Platform capitalism, exemplified by companies like Amazon and Facebook, profits through data collection and targeted advertising. Additionally, platforms generate revenue by acting as intermediaries, taking a percentage of transactions between users and services.
