MASS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
1. Meaning of Communication
Communication is a process through which information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, and messages are exchanged between individuals or groups. It is the foundation of social life and plays a vital role in maintaining relationships, transmitting culture, and ensuring social continuity. Communication helps people understand each other and enables cooperation in society.
In sociology, communication is not limited to spoken or written words; it also includes gestures, symbols, images, sounds, and digital media. Without communication, social interaction and social organization would not be possible.
2. Types of Communication
Communication can be classified into different types based on the number of people involved and the medium used.
(a) Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication refers to direct communication between two or more individuals. It may be face-to-face or through personal devices such as telephone or messaging apps. This type of communication is informal and allows immediate feedback.
(b) Group Communication
Group communication takes place within a small group, such as a classroom, meeting, or family discussion. It plays an important role in decision-making and problem-solving.
(c) Mass Communication
Mass communication is the process of transmitting information to a large audience through mass media such as newspapers, radio, television, films, and the internet. It is impersonal and reaches people across wide geographical areas.
3. Meaning of Mass Media
Mass media refers to the various means of communication that are used to reach a large number of people at the same time. The term “mass” means a large audience, and “media” refers to the channels through which information is transmitted.
Mass media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, spreading information, entertaining people, and educating society. In modern society, mass media has become an integral part of everyday life.
4. Types of Mass Media
Mass media can be broadly divided into print media, electronic media, and new media.
(a) Print Media
Print media includes newspapers, magazines, journals, books, and pamphlets. It is one of the oldest forms of mass media.
Importance of Print Media:
Provides detailed and permanent information
Helps in the spread of education and awareness
Encourages critical thinking
Plays an important role in democracy
(b) Electronic Media
Electronic media includes radio, television, and films.
Radio
Radio is an affordable and accessible medium, especially in rural areas. It is useful for spreading information, educational programmes, and entertainment.
Television
Television is one of the most influential forms of mass media. It combines sound and visuals, making communication more effective. Television influences lifestyles, culture, values, and political opinions.
Films
Films are a powerful medium of mass communication. They reflect social realities and influence social attitudes, fashion, and behaviour.
(c) New Media / Digital Media
New media includes the internet, social media, websites, blogs, podcasts, and mobile communication. It allows interactive communication and instant sharing of information.
Examples:
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
WhatsApp, Twitter (X)
Online news portals
5. Role of Mass Media in Society
Mass media plays a significant role in modern society.
(a) Information and Education
Mass media informs people about current events, government policies, social issues, and scientific developments. Educational programmes help in increasing knowledge and awareness.
(b) Formation of Public Opinion
Mass media influences how people think about social, political, and economic issues. It plays a major role in shaping public opinion.
(c) Entertainment
Mass media provides entertainment through movies, TV shows, music, sports, and online content. Entertainment helps reduce stress and brings people together.
(d) Social Change and Awareness
Mass media highlights social problems such as poverty, gender inequality, child labour, and environmental pollution. It helps in promoting social reforms and change.
(e) Cultural Transmission
Mass media transmits cultural values, traditions, and norms from one generation to another. It also promotes cultural exchange between different societies.
6. Mass Media and Democracy
Mass media is often called the fourth pillar of democracy. It acts as a watchdog by monitoring government actions and exposing corruption and injustice. Free and responsible media strengthens democracy by ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed citizenship.
Through debates, discussions, and news coverage, mass media provides a platform for people to express their views and participate in democratic processes.
7. Impact of Mass Media on Society
Positive Impact
Spread of education and awareness
Promotion of social integration
Strengthening of democracy
Global connectivity
Negative Impact
Spread of misinformation and fake news
Cultural homogenization
Promotion of consumerism
Negative influence on children and youth
8. Mass Media and Socialization
Mass media is an important agent of socialization. It influences values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour. Children and young people learn social norms, gender roles, and lifestyles through media content.
9. Conclusion
Mass media and communication play a vital role in shaping modern society. While mass media has many positive functions such as education, awareness, and social change, it also has negative effects if not used responsibly. Therefore, media literacy and ethical communication are essential for a healthy and informed society.
Alright ЁЯСН
Below are Class 12 Sociology – “Mass Media and Communication”
ONE-WORD ANSWERS (15) and MP Board Expected Question–Answers
Prepared strictly as per MP Board exam pattern, simple English, exam-ready.
A. One-Word Answers (15)
Communication with a large audience is called Mass Communication
Newspapers belong to Print Media
Radio and television are forms of Electronic Media
Internet-based media is known as New Media
The fourth pillar of democracy is Media
Exchange of ideas and information is called Communication
Media that combines sound and visuals is Television
Media that reaches people instantly is Digital Media
Spread of false information is called Misinformation
Media that influences thinking is Mass Media
Education through media is Edutainment
Media that forms public opinion is Press
Process of learning social norms is Socialization
Global spread of media culture is Globalization
Watching government actions is called Watchdog Role
Very Short Answer Questions
Q1. What is communication?
Answer:
Communication is the process of exchanging ideas, information, thoughts, and feelings between individuals or groups.
Q2. What is mass media?
Answer:
Mass media refers to the means of communication that reach a large number of people at the same time, such as newspapers, radio, television, and the internet.
Q3. Name any two types of mass media.
Answer:
Print media and electronic media.
Q4. Why is mass media called the fourth pillar of democracy?
Answer:
Because it monitors government actions, spreads awareness, and helps people form opinions.
Short Answer Questions
Q5. Explain any three functions of mass media.
Answer:
Mass media provides information about current events and social issues.
It helps in educating people through news and programmes.
It also entertains people through films, television shows, and music.
Q6. Write three positive impacts of mass media.
Answer:
Mass media spreads education and awareness.
It promotes social unity and national integration.
It supports democracy by informing citizens.
Q7. Write three negative impacts of mass media.
Answer:
It spreads fake news and misinformation.
It promotes consumerism.
It negatively influences children and youth.
Q8. Explain the role of mass media in society.
Answer:
Mass media plays an important role in modern society. It provides information about social, political, and economic issues. It educates people and spreads awareness. Mass media also entertains people and helps in reducing stress. It plays a key role in social change by highlighting social evils such as poverty, gender inequality, and corruption. Thus, mass media helps in shaping public opinion and strengthening democracy.
Q9. Describe different types of mass media.
Answer:
Mass media can be divided into print media, electronic media, and new media. Print media includes newspapers and magazines. Electronic media includes radio, television, and films. New media includes the internet, social media platforms, and online news portals. Each type of media plays an important role in communication.
Q10. Explain the relationship between mass media and democracy.
Answer:
Mass media strengthens democracy by spreading awareness and information. It acts as a watchdog over government activities. Media provides a platform for public discussion and debate. Free and responsible media ensures transparency and accountability in democratic systems
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