Communication and Mass Media Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and definitions related to the concepts of communication, mass media, and their societal implications as discussed in the lecture.

Communication

The action of making a message or idea common to two or more people.

Mass Communication

The transmission and transformation of information on a large scale.

Time-biased Media

Technology that can last over generations but is difficult to transport, such as stone tablets.

Space-biased Media

Technology that can easily move across physical space, but does not survive long periods of time, such as paper or USBs.

Encoding

The process by which a sender selects symbols to convey an idea.

Decoding

The process by which a receiver interprets a message based on their understanding.

Signifier

The thing we see, hear, or feel, e.g., the word 'tree'.

Signified

The mental concept associated with a signifier.

Semiotics

The study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation.

Dominant Reading

The decoder understands and agrees with the message.

Negotiated Reading

The decoder agrees with the macro message but disagrees on micro aspects.

Oppositional Reading

The decoder understands the message but disagrees with its sentiments.

Culture Industry

The commodification of products for consumption, merging high and low art.

Propaganda

Mass media serving a system to communicate values and integrate individuals into society.

Agenda-Setting

Media determining which topics are prioritized and perceived as important.

Public Policy Goals

Ensuring that media serves individual citizens and society as a whole.

Limitations of Audience Research

Does not address media's role in public betterment.

Advertising

A type of message aimed at promoting a specific product.

Ideology

A system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of economic or political theory.

Branding

A promise and set of values attached to a name or logo.

Technology Definition

Devices and knowledge of their use, fitting into a larger social context.

Technological Determinism

The belief that technology drives societal change.

Social Determinism

The belief that society shapes technological development.

Media Imperialism

Exploitation of global media markets to build political and ideological influence.

Globalization

Processes by which relations extend beyond traditional boundaries with greater frequency.

Market Externalities

Unaccounted costs or benefits beyond immediate economic transactions.

Demographics

Statistical data about the characteristics of a population.

Psychographics

Data related to consumer personality, values, attitudes, interests, or lifestyles.

Consumer Culture

A culture in which personal worth and identity are defined by acquisition of goods.

Cultural Development

Efforts focused on preserving and promoting cultural identity and expressions.

Job Creation

The process of bringing new jobs to an economy.

National Identity

A person's identity that is defined by their nationality.

Community Engagement

The process of working collaboratively with community groups.

Media Literacy

The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media.

Public Ownership

Ownership focused on cultural development rather than profit.

Private Ownership

Ownership that seeks to generate profit through content creation.

Chain Ownership

Owning multiple companies within the same industry to reduce competition.

Ideological Embeddedness

The incorporation of ideologies within products to appeal to consumers.

Consumption Practices

Behavior related to how individuals consume goods and services.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective focusing on subjective meanings and symbols.

Audience Targeting

Identifying a specific group of consumers to tailor messages.

Media Landscape

The current state and dynamics of media organizations and their relations.

Traditional Media

Established forms of media such as radio and television.

Digital Divide

The gap between those with easy access to digital technology and those without.

Information Overload

When the amount of data exceeds our ability to process it.

Social Media Impact

The effect of social media on society, including communication patterns.

Cognitive Dissonance

Mental discomfort experienced by a person holding contradictory beliefs.

Eco-Critical Theory

Analyzing literature and media within an ecological context.