Mass Media: Chapter 1, Part 1

Which form of mass media is most popular with your generation in your opinion? [books, newspapers, magazines, phones, radio, tv, movies, computers, internet, cellphones, etc.]

Is this the same form of mass media that your parents (or grandparents) favor? What might account for the change in preference?

Please answer all 3 parts of this question...

The chapter talks about the cultural context in which the media operates.

How have media representation/media narratives impacted our culture or lives?

[cultural context refers to being relevant to the beliefs, values, and practices of a particular culture]

Can you cite an example that supports your belief that mass media shapes who we are or how we act or how we see ourselves?

Greek philosophers argued between the value of oral vs. written communication (philosophers believing that written communication threatened public debate). With the working class, at the time, being generally illiterate and economic and education gaps so vast, do we see any similar arguments between then and now?

[i.e. do only middle and upper or educated classes read? Do only the educated classes engage in debate? Do lower economic classes only watch videos and get their information from social media or from oral reporting of the "news"?]

The printing press “fostered the modern idea of individuality”, however, it also fostered the rise of capitalism.

Does modern print (magazines, newspapers, etc.) promote individuality or commercial conformity? Which is better for our society? Which is better for you personally?

Please answer all 3 parts of this question...

Do you see any issues or problems in media convergence or cross-platforms?

Should major corporations (Amazon or Apple or Microsoft or Google or Facebook, for example) have holdings in information broadcasting?

What negative factors could arise? What about the positive?

Please answer all 3 parts of this question.

The chapter mentions media-multitasking and our ability to access multiple different platforms of media and information while simultaneously being able to talk or discuss with others about it.

How do you think this plays a role in “cancel culture?”

[Cancel culture: Cancel culture refers to the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive. Cancel culture is generally discussed as being performed on social media in the form of group shaming.]