Defined as communication occurring directly between two people with no external tools or devices.
Example: Two individuals speaking face-to-face.
Mediated Communication
Involves any device or medium aiding communication, such as phones or written messages.
Using a stick to write in the sand is also an example of mediated communication, as it uses an external object to convey messages.
Characteristics of Media
Media Definition
Plural term for various human-invented technologies facilitating communication.
Mediated communication extends communication reach and efficiency over distances or time.
Types of Media
Traditional Media: Books, newspapers, radio, television, films.
Modern Media: Internet, video games, social media.
Mass Media: One person broadcasting messages to many (e.g., TV networks, social media).
Computer Mediated Communication (CMC): Any communication involving computers, including texting.
Understanding Mediated Communication
Role of Medium
Acts as an instrument between message sender and receiver.
Can be physical or invisible (e.g., satellite signals).
In-Person vs. Mediated Experiences
In-person communication often provides richer, more immediate feedback compared to mediated communication.
Effects of Technology on Communication Preferences
Post-Pandemic Shift
Despite the increase in remote communication, many have returned to face-to-face interactions.
People still see value in direct, non-mediated communication.
Different Communication Mediums
Each medium (phone, email, video call) has unique advantages and disadvantages, influencing how individuals communicate depending on comfort levels.
Feedback in Mediated Communication
Quality of Feedback
Feedback in mediated contexts, such as text or emails, is limited and often asynchronous (not in real time).
In contrast, in-person communication allows for immediate, varied feedback (e.g., body language, tone).
Nature of Mediated Communication
Passiveness of Mediation
Mediated experiences can be more passive, leading to less engagement (e.g., watching TV).
Accountability
There may be less accountability in mediated interactions; people behave differently online than in person, which can lead to negative behaviors.
Representation and Reality in Media
Counterfactual Representation
This refers to presenting information that contradicts real events, often manipulated for aesthetic or narrative purposes (e.g., photo editing).
Synthetic Experiences
Media creates experiences that are not natural (e.g., viewing events via webcam, watching recorded content).
Dramatization
Many mediated messages simplify complex realities into narratives or stories for consumption, often leading to misrepresentation or incomplete understanding.
Media Ownership and Production
Media Industry Overview
The media industry is vast and economically powerful, affecting how messages are created and disseminated.
Message Production and Distribution
The production of media involves various processes and personnel, and distribution determines how messages reach audiences, influenced by technology and platform availability.
Media Effects on Society
Viewer Interaction with Media
Effects of media are varied and can be either beneficial or harmful.
Media effect research focuses on understanding viewer engagement and the impacts of various media usages on mental and emotional health.