The Oxford Dictionary defines the term “mass media” as “the main means of mass communication, such as television, radio, and newspapers, considered collectively” (Oxford English Dictionary). What is your definition of this term that many often refer to but never really think about?
The definition of the term “mass media” that I like to refer to is “The vehicles such as radio, television, newspapers and internet which deliver news and information to a wide audience” (Reilly). However, this definition is very limited in terms of the technology and media that we use.
The mass media used to be comprised of only eight industries: newspapers, books, magazines, recordings, radio, television, movies and internet. As technology continues to advance, this definition no longer remains so clear cut (Lane). Do you feel that technology and media such as cellular phones should be included in mass media? How about video games such as Xbox 360, that allow us to connect with other gamers around the globe?
In my opinion all of these new developments should be considered part of mass media as they allow for mass communication. An individual with a cell phone has the ability to place a call to almost anywhere in the world, allowing them to deliver news to the citizens of that area. Although the conversation is between only two or three people, this news can then be spread even further through the other elements of the mass media such as television, radio and internet.
Video games do not only allow their players to connect and play against others, but they also share a common message which is the same for every person who plays the game. Everyone who plays Halo will be taken through the same steps and have the same messages and ideas delivered to them; which can be said of any video game.
So you tell me… should these technological devices be considered a part of the mass media?
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