Mass Society Theory

Question 1

Mass Society Theory proposes what type of relationship btw media & mass society

Answer 1

cause & effect relationship –> stimulus that evokes a reaction

Question 2

is there a set definition for the mass society theory?

Answer 2

No!

Question 3

What is the idea behind mass society theory?

Answer 3

modern society a collection of many individual groups that have become isolated/alienated thru industrialisation and subsequent social changes and are susceptible and vulnerable to extremist movements

Question 4

Example of MST?

Answer 4

person using tech advancements to connect to others (smartphone for social media) but person feels isolated/alone

Question 5

Hypodermic syringe model (approach to study of media effects on behaviour)

Answer 5

mass media injects society w values, morals & info that affects behaviour & thought

Question 6

According to which model/theory are the public akin to a sitting duck?

Answer 6

the Hypodermic syringe model - says that the public is vulnerable and incapable of escaping media indoctrination

Question 7

What’s a weakness of the hypodermic syringe model?

Answer 7

it views the public as passive which isn’t necessarily true

Question 8

Examples of hypodermic syringe model

Answer 8

(1) moral panics:
- eg satanic panic was created by media fuelling fear of anything resembling satanic cults),
- eg, pizzagate, bioterrorism
(2) folk devils

Question 9

What is a folk devil?

Answer 9

person or group of people who are portrayed in folklore or the media as outsiders and deviant, and who are blamed for crimes or other sorts of social problems; see also: scapegoat

eg, portrayal of refugees, lgbtqi+ groups in the US