History and Theories Flashcards
What is a primary function of mass media in society?
Information dissemination
Mass media keeps the public informed about local, national, and international events.
How does mass media provide entertainment?
Through television programs, movies, music, radio shows, and more
This caters to the cultural and recreational needs of individuals.
What role does mass media play in education and awareness?
It provides informative content on various subjects
Educational programs and documentaries raise awareness about societal issues.
What is the impact of mass media on public opinion formation?
It influences how individuals perceive political issues, social trends, and cultural developments
News coverage and editorials shape public attitudes.
How does mass media contribute to advertising and consumerism?
It serves as a powerful platform for advertising, influencing consumer behavior
Advertisements create demand for goods and services.
What function does mass media serve in crisis communication?
It disseminates important information during emergencies
This includes updates on natural disasters and public health crises.
What is the relationship between media and socialization?
Media is a primary agent of socialization, shaping individuals’ understanding of the world
It influences cultural norms, values, and behaviors.
What does ‘transmission of cultural norms and values’ refer to in media?
The portrayal of societal expectations through media content
This includes television shows, movies, and advertisements.
How does media act as a role model in socialization?
Individuals often identify with characters they see on screen
This influences their behaviors and attitudes.
What characterized the emergence of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in the 1960s?
Development of early computer networks like ARPANET
This laid the groundwork for computer communication.
What significant milestone occurred in CMC in the 1970s?
The first email was sent by Ray Tomlinson in 1971
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) also emerged during this decade.
What was a major development in CMC during the 1990s?
Introduction of the World Wide Web and instant messaging services
This made information more accessible and enabled real-time communication.
What are key characteristics of new media?
Digital format, interactivity, multimedia integration, global accessibility
Also includes user-generated content, real-time communication, and portability.
What does the term ‘uses and gratifications’ refer to in social media?
The reasons individuals actively choose to use social media platforms
It explores the gratifications sought from engagement.
How does media influence the diffusion of innovation?
By increasing awareness and knowledge about innovations
Media coverage introduces innovations to a broad audience.
What is the role of opinion leaders in the diffusion of innovation?
They influence others by showcasing innovations through media
These leaders serve as role models or experts.
What does the information flow model describe?
How information circulates within a system or network
It is used in communication studies and information theory.
Fill in the blank: Mass media plays a role in _______ by advocating for human rights.
Social change and advocacy
It helps mobilize public support for various causes.
True or False: Social media is not a significant factor in the socialization process.
False
Social media has become crucial in how individuals connect and share experiences.
What is the significance of user-generated content in new media?
It allows users to contribute to the creation and dissemination of content
Platforms like social media and blogs thrive on this type of content.
What is the first component of the information flow model?
Source
The source is the originator of the information, which could be an individual, organization, or system.
What is created by the source to communicate information?
Message
The message is the encoded form of information which can include text, images, audio, or video.
What is the role of the transmitter in the information flow model?
Converts the message into a suitable format for transmission
In digital communication, this involves encoding the message into bits and packets.
What does the channel represent in the information flow model?
The medium for transmitting the encoded message
This can be physical (like air) or digital (like the internet).
What is the function of the receiver in the information flow model?
Decodes the transmitted message
This process converts the message back into a comprehensible format.
What is meant by the destination in the information flow model?
The intended recipient or target of the information
It can be an individual, group, or system.
What is feedback in the context of the information flow model?
Response or reaction from the destination back to the source
Feedback completes the communication loop and helps assess message effectiveness.
What does noise refer to in the information flow model?
Interference or distortion affecting message clarity
This could include external environmental noise or internal technical issues.
True or False: Feedback is unnecessary for effective communication in the information flow model.
False
Feedback is crucial for assessing the success of the message and making adjustments.
Fill in the blank: The information flow model emphasizes the _______ flow of information.
linear
This flow goes from the source to the destination with the channel as the conduit.
What is a key characteristic of more complex communication systems in the digital age?
Ongoing and non-linear feedback loops
These systems may involve multiple sources, channels, and destinations simultaneously.