What is mass communication? Meaning, definition, function, type, example (2023)

Mass communication simply refers to the transmission or dissemination of information from one person, a large group of people, or an organization to the general public or a specific group of people using various means of mass communication.

Here in this article we will discuss What is mass communication? Meaning, definition, functions, types and examples. At the same time, we will cover all the essentials, including its history, scope, functions, and features.

► What is mass communication?

Mass communication is one of the most important forms of communication today. It is a process of disseminating messages to a large number of audiences using various tools such as television, newspapers, radio and digital media.

It is the easiest and fastest way to transmit information to a large number of people around the world.

◉ Mass Communicationsense

Mass communication simply means the process of creating, sending, receiving, and giving feedback to a mass audience through newspapers, radio, television, and digital media.

• The English word "mass communication" has two terms.
• “Mass” means a large group of people and “communication” derives from the Latin word “communicare” and the Latin noun “communis” which means “to do together”.

It is mainly about how the disseminated information persuades or influences the behavior, attitude, feeling, thought or emotion of the people who receive the information.

◉Definitionmass communication

Mass communication is defined as the transmission of messages via larger media platforms, e.g. B. TV, radio, print media and also through technological channels such as news portals, Youtube channels, Facebook and Instagram pages, etc. to a large audience.

There are several definitions of authors who have defined it in their own way, some of the definitions are given below:

Littlejohn and Foss defined mass communication as

"the process by which media organizations produce and deliver messages to a broad audience, and the process by which those messages are sought out, used, understood, and influenced by audiences."

• McQuaid states that mass communication is "only one of the communication processes that operate at the societal level and can be easily identified by its institutional characteristics".
• According to Metha, "Mass communication deals with the simultaneous transmission of information, thoughts and opinions, conversations, etc. to a large number of heterogeneous audiences."
• Emery and others said: "Mass communication is a process in which a message, a thought, and an attitude are sent simultaneously to a large number of heterogeneous audiences through some medium."
• R. P. Molo explained: “Mass communication is a process by which a person, organization or government. communicates with the general population.

◉elementsmass communication

The concept of mass communication revolves around certain elements that are listed below;

• Mass audience/big group of audience
• Mass media (channel/medium)
• Message (in the form of news, summary, information)
• Quick spread of the message.
• correct process

► Historymass communication

Mass communication has developed mainly in the last 500 years. Its history spans the genesis of books, newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet.

Let's take a closer look at the history of mass communication;

• Books are one of the oldest and earliest sources of communication, the first known book being published around 1400 BC. Written in Egypt. In the past, books were not mass-produced due to a lack of proper technology. The first printing press was invented in 1455.
• Newspapers are considered the oldest means of mass communication. A type of newspaper called "Acta Diurna" appeared in the year 100 BC. in Rome, with some political information placed in the Roman square some 400 to 500 years ago.
• The development of the magazines was also somewhat slow. The term magazine is derived from the French word "magasin". The oldest newspaper was a German newspaper called Erbauliche Montaghs-Unterredunge, founded by Johann Rist, a Hamburg theologian and poet.
• Electronic media developed faster than other media. The rise of radio took place in the 1920s.
• Television came later in the 1940s, followed later by various developments in the field of radio broadcasting and the advent of cable television and satellite communications.
• Today's mass communication medium is the Internet, which has completely changed communication patterns. The Internet was born on January 1, 1983.

◉Historical factsAbout mass communication

• The basic printing technology was invented in 800 AD.
• the invention ofgutenberg pressin 1455.
• The firstprinted weekly newspaperIt was developed in Antwerp in 1605.
• the invention ofRadioby Marconi in 1895.
• the invention ofTELEVISIONby John Logie Baird in 1925.
• ThatInternet(DieRed mundial) was invented by Tim Berners Lee in 1990.
• Wilbur SchrammHe is considered the "father of mass communication".

Must read :What is yellow journalism?

► Function&Characteristicsmass communication

Mass communication has several important properties, some of which are listed below:

• Covers a large area
• heterogeneous audience
• use of mass media
• It has no direct feedback method
• there is no discrimination
• Quick source of communication.
• circular common message

Let's discuss these properties in more detail;

1. Covers a large area:As the very name of mass communication defines it, it covers a massive audience, which simply means that it provides a large area for the dissemination of information.
2. Heterogeneous audience:The mass media audience is inherently heterogeneous. There are different people of different ages, interests, needs, feelings, castes, etc.
3. Use of mass media:The mass communication process is only possible through its various tools which include television, newspapers, radio and various digital media.
4. It has no direct feedback method:Direct feedback is not available in mass communication. There is a possibility of a bad reaction from the receiver.
5. There is no discrimination:the sender is almost unaware of the audience, their caste, religion or belief, so there is no chance of discrimination on any grounds.
6. Quick communication source:It is the fastest means of communication to reach large audiences around the world at the same time. It also saves time.
7. Spread common message:In the mass communication process, a common message is conveyed to the audience.

► Featuresmass communication

• to inform the audience
• enlighten the audience
• to entertain the public
• to convince the audience
• To transmit different cultures.

Now let's discuss these features in more detail;

1. To inform the audience:One of the main tasks of mass communication is to inform the audience about various information. It informs the audience about various events, crimes, policies, current affairs, and much more happening around the world. It keeps people up to date on everything.
2. To illustrate to the audience:It provides education to people through various educational programs broadcast on radio, television and digital media. Any kind of information offers us some kind of education. So it helps to get to this information very quickly. The Internet plays an important role in the educational process. Most of the students get the necessary knowledge from various applications and websites that are available on the internet.
3. To entertain the audience:The media are a great source of entertainment programming. There are various entertainment shows including music shows, dance shows, cartoons, web series, movies, serials, etc.
4. To convince the audience:The media are used to shape public opinion in a certain way. People are easily influenced by the media. There are several advertisements related to smoking, sex, dowry, etc. They try to change public opinion.
5. Communicating different cultures:Mass communication connects people with different people from different cities, states and countries. You will learn about different practices practiced by different people in different states, cities, and countries. Mass communication plays a crucial role in cultural transmission.

► Importancemass communication

• Fast means of disseminating information.
• Help shape public opinion.
• Very important to convince people of their beliefs, thoughts and opinions.
• it helps educate people.
• It is a great source of entertainment.
• Useful for providing advance information on many things.
• It brings us various truths and facts.
• Help in cultural transmission.

► Reachmass communication

• In trade and trade
• in social affairs
• In human resource management
• in political affairs
• In the field of education

1. Wide range in trade and commerce.: It plays a very important role in increasing production and sales in the field of trade and commerce, with the help of outreach and advertising methods, a certain company can achieve its goal in the shortest possible time.
2. great social reach: Social problems such as floods, droughts and other natural disasters can easily draw everyone's attention and the necessary measures can be taken very quickly. At the same time, many of people's ailments can be presented to the people through mass communication.
3. Great scope in personnel management.: With the help of mass communication, workers can learn many things and improve their skills. There is a wide field of activity and employment opportunities in this area.
4. Broad reach in political affairs: Almost all political leaders and parties use the mass media to convey their message.
5. Great reach in education.: Mass communication plays a very important role in education. There are many educational programs run by both the government and other organizations.

► The typemass communication

There are five types of mass media used to disseminate information around the world:

1. printed media
2. broadcast media
3. outdoor media
4. media
5. Digital media

Now let's talk briefly about them:

✔ 1) Print media

Print media are the oldest and the first mass means of disseminating information to a wide audience. Includes newspapers, magazines, books, magazines, weeklies, comics, quarterly newspapers, etc.

People like to read newspapers and magazines, their day starts with a cup of tea and a newspaper or magazine. In addition to being a source of news and other information, print media is also a great source of entertainment. Newspapers have game areas with games like sudoku, riddles, and puzzles.

Newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. Now published digitally, readers can now easily access them from their mobile phones, computers, and other devices. Novels and comics are great combinations of learning and entertainment. Therefore, in modern times, digital and other media are used more, but print media has its own essence and meaning.

✔ 2) Media

The advent of broadcast media brought a boom to the world. The invention of radio and television changed the world of mass communication. Includes radio, television, recorded music, and movies.

Musical recordings were developed in the 1870s and are considered the first non-print source of mass communication.

Recording picked up momentum again in the 1950s when the vinyl LP (Long Play) record was invented, then eight-track tapes followed, followed by the invention of vinyl and cassettes in 1965. Compact discs are considered the greatest invention in the recording arts.

Radio is one of the oldest forms of mass communication that has managed to preserve its essence. However, most digital radios are now also available online which has made them accessible without having to carry a radio with you. Online radios listen more than those that operate on specific frequencies.

Cinema and television are the most used sources of entertainment and information for around 90% of people around the world. It is one of the most important forms of communication, which have audiovisual aspects, which makes them more attractive. In addition, television and cinema do much to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

✔ 3) Outdoor media

Outdoor media advertising is specifically used by organizations and multiple brands to target customers in a specific geographic area. These include billboards, brochures, restaurant advertisements, etc. There are also various other outdoor advertising options including mobile, digital, light pole, street wall advertising etc.

✔ 4) Means of transit

Transit Media is often used for advertising purposes. It is also considered to be one of the most effective advertising methods. Includes posters, banners, notices, etc. to place in means of transport such as buses, cars, trains and many others.

As a result, a large number of viewers read and view these ads. Transit media is generally used to promote products, ideas and services and spread information/social issues and raise awareness among ordinary people.

✔ 5) Digital media

Digital media have completely changed the landscape of mass communication. It is now the new and most widely used way of transmitting information to a large group of people at once. It is considered the most powerful tool of the mass media.

Also called new media, they have all the essential components that make digital media one of the best and easiest ways to disseminate information. It includes a variety of things like emails, blogs, video podcasts, websites, and many others. Digital media also have one of the most used and powerful tools, social networks. Social media is a great platform for disseminating information to a wide audience.

Social networks make it possible to reach specific target groups by forming groups. E-books, e-newspapers, and e-magazines are also among the digital media that offer people a lot of entertainment and knowledge.

► Examplesmass communication

There are many significant examples or sources of mass communication. Here are some prominent examples:

1. journalism
2. entertainment
3. Books
4. advertising
5. social media

Now let's look at these examples in more detail.

✔ Journalism

The media play a very important role in journalism. News is produced and disseminated with the help of mass media such as television, radio, etc.

✔ Entertainment

The media are a great source of entertainment. Stream multiple shows like TV series, cartoons, movies, etc. Movies or movies are also a great source of entertainment. There are movies with social messages that give knowledge and information to the audience.

✔ Social networks

Today, social media is the most used platform for many purposes. It connects people from different parts of the world and allows us to learn new things. Some of the social media platforms are YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

✔ Books

Paper books or e-books are means of mass communication. A large number of people read them and gain knowledge. It has a wide scope and is capable of providing in-depth knowledge on many topics.

✔ Advertising

Advertising is done through various tools like television, radio, outdoor advertising, transit advertising and many more. Various companies advertise to promote brands, products, goods, and services.