Mass Media Theories 1870-1930

A formula developed by Harold Lasswell in 1948 to analyze communication. It asks "Who? Says what? In which channel? To whom? With what effect?" to understand the different aspects of a communication process.

A theory that assumes the existence of a large, undifferentiated mass of people who are easily influenced by mass media. This theory emerged in the late 19th century with the rise of mass media.

The rapid industrial and economic growth of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This led to significant societal changes.

The rapid growth of cities and the concentration of people in urban areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Social and political unrest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to economic inequality, social change, and power struggles.

The changing roles and relationships between people in society due to industrialization, urbanization, and economic shifts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A large group of people who were newly urbanized, working-class, and often lacked formal education during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This group was often associated with social and political movements.

The study of media and its role in society, particularly the impact of mass media on individuals, groups, and culture.

A period of significant social and cultural change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries characterized by both optimistic progress and anxieties about the future.

Socialism and communism were seen as revolutionary and hopeful ideas that promised a better future. They aimed to improve society and the lives of ordinary people.

The elite feared that democracy would be controlled by the majority, leading to decisions based on popular opinion rather than reason or expertise. This could be seen as a threat to their power.

The widespread adoption of new media such as film, radio, and newspapers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This spread quickly across all sectors of society, including politics, economics, and culture.

Early theories about mass media were based on the belief that these new forms of communication held immense power to influence public opinions, beliefs, and behavior. This fear stemmed from astonishment at the wide reach and appeal of new media.

A large, diverse group of people who share a common interest or are united by a particular event or phenomenon, often characterized by anonymity and heterogeneity.

A perspective that analyzes the influence of social structures and systems on the actions and behaviors of individuals within a mass.

The belief that a vast, interconnected network of individuals, often through mass media, facilitates the spread of information and encourages the expression of diverse ideas.

A theory that emphasizes the potential dangers of mass media, suggesting its influence can manipulate individuals and undermine social order.

The study of how mass media can influence public opinion and shape collective perceptions, particularly through propaganda and public relations.

A group of individuals who actively engage in discussions and debate about shared interests, forming public opinion and potentially influencing social change.

The idea that crowds transform individuals into a collective entity, losing their individual personalities and becoming easily influenced by suggestive behavior.

The rejection of the idea that crowds magically transform individuals into a collective entity.

The media's ability to influence individuals on topics not covered by their local social groups.

A group of people who lack a common goal, individual awareness, and collective action. They are seen as passive receivers of information rather than active participants in shaping it.

The view that mass media has a powerful and direct influence on individual thoughts and behaviors.

The view that mass media has a limited effect on individual thoughts and behaviors, often mediated by social factors and individual interpretations.

The idea that media passively influences individuals, causing them to react based on a stimulus-response mechanism, without critical thinking.

The theory that mass media contributes to a decline in cultural values, replacing high-culture with mass-produced, standardized content.

A characteristic of mass communication where content is standardized and easily replicable, creating a one-way, impersonal message.

The process where media content is treated as a marketable commodity, having both a value for media consumers and a value for producers in the media market.

The theory that individuals are easily influenced by media because they are isolated and disconnected from traditional social structures.

A type of social structure characterized by strong affective ties, close-knit communities, and interpersonal communication. Think of village life or a tight-knit religious community.

A type of social structure driven by economic ties, impersonal interactions, and large-scale organizations. Think of cities with diverse populations and specialized roles.

The process of transitioning from a Gemeinschaft to a Gesellschaft social structure, often driven by economic growth and urbanization. Think of the changes happening in societies as they move from rural to industrial settings.

A theory that suggests media can foster a collective identity and empower individuals to use media to drive social change. This view emphasizes media's potential for positive social action.

A gathering of people in a single location, often characterized by a shared emotional state and potential for irrational behavior. Think of a protest or riot.

The idea that newspapers reflect and influence public opinion, potentially leading to a fear-driven political agenda. Think of the influence of media on political agendas and public perception.

The idea that individuals can be part of multiple publics simultaneously, allowing for diverse opinions and perspectives. Think of how people can be involved in various online communities or interest groups.

The process of exchanging information and ideas, leading to the formation of shared opinions and public discourse. Think of a debate or a discussion board where people engage in reasoned arguments.

A more casual and unfocused gathering of people, with a lack of critical thinking and potentially leading to emotional outburst. Think of a gathering where people are simply hanging out and not engaging in serious discussion.

The idea that individuals lose self-control in crowd settings, becoming more reactive and less analytical. Think of a crowd driven by emotions rather than reason.

The belief that public is essential to democratic process, playing a crucial role in shaping political change and facilitating rational discourse. Think of the role of public opinion in influencing government decisions, and how media can contribute to this process.

The idea that 'mass' is not synonymous with 'crowd', but rather reflects the collective public discourse shaped by media. Think of 'mass' as a collective entity, not necessarily a crowd.