Media And Society 1

Socialization refers to the process through which individuals acquire and internalize the social norms, values, and behaviors of their culture or society. It involves learning and adapting to the expectations, beliefs, and customs of the social groups we belong to. This process begins from childhood and continues throughout our lives, shaping our identity, attitudes, and behaviors. Socialization helps individuals develop a sense of self and understand their roles and responsibilities within society. It plays a crucial role in shaping our personalities, interactions, and overall integration into the social fabric.

The word "media" is derived from the Latin word "medius," which means "middle." This suggests that "medius" refers to the middle or center of something.

Before the invention of the telegraph, information could only travel as fast as a horse, ship, or train could carry it. The telegraph revolutionized communication by allowing messages to be transmitted instantly over long distances using electrical signals. This breakthrough technology greatly accelerated the speed at which information could be shared, surpassing the limitations of traditional transportation methods.

Sociologists use the term "social construction of reality" to describe the process in which humans build and interpret the meaning of objective reality. This concept suggests that reality is not solely determined by objective facts, but is rather shaped by social interactions, cultural norms, and individual perceptions. It emphasizes the idea that our understanding of reality is influenced by social constructs and shared beliefs within a specific society or community.

In 2010, approximately 71% of U.S. households had access to the Internet. This means that a significant majority of households in the United States had the ability to connect to the internet during that year.

The authors of the book use the term "passive sponges" to refer to audiences in order to emphasize their active role in interpreting media products. This term suggests that audiences are not passive recipients of information, but rather actively absorb and engage with media content, shaping their own understanding and interpretation of it. The term highlights the agency and critical thinking of audiences, challenging the notion that they are simply passive consumers of media.

The pattern of social behavior expected of people related by birth can be called agency. This term refers to the ability of individuals to act independently and make their own choices within the social structure they are born into. It encompasses the idea that individuals have a certain level of autonomy and control over their actions and decisions, even within the constraints of societal expectations and norms.

Newspapers, televisions, magazines, internet, and radio are typically considered to be forms of mass media. These mediums have a wide reach and are used to disseminate information, news, entertainment, and advertisements to a large audience. They play a significant role in shaping public opinion and are often relied upon for news and entertainment consumption.

Orality refers to the communication and transmission of information through spoken word, which was the earliest form of mass media before the invention of writing and print. In ancient times, people relied on oral traditions, storytelling, and spoken word to share news, stories, and information across communities. This form of mass media allowed for the dissemination of knowledge and cultural practices, shaping societies and civilizations.

Television was widely introduced in the United States during the period of 1946-1955. This was a time of significant technological advancements and post-war economic growth, which allowed for the mass production and distribution of televisions. Additionally, during this period, there was an increasing demand for entertainment and news in the American society. The introduction of television during these years revolutionized the way people consumed media and became a major cultural phenomenon.

Much of the initial funding for the Internet came from the government through public tax dollars. This means that the government allocated funds from taxes paid by the public to finance the development and establishment of the Internet. This funding was crucial in supporting the research, infrastructure, and technological advancements necessary for the creation of the Internet as we know it today.

The tension between structure and agency within the media industry can be seen in the relationship between institutions. This refers to how non-media social structures, such as the government, can influence and affect the media industry. For example, government regulations, policies, and censorship can shape the content and operations of media organizations. This tension arises from the conflict between the agency of media professionals and their ability to make independent decisions, and the structural constraints imposed by external institutions.

The first broadcast medium was the phonograph invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. This device allowed sound to be recorded and played back, paving the way for the transmission of audio messages to a wider audience. The phonograph revolutionized communication by enabling the dissemination of recorded content, marking a significant milestone in the development of broadcasting technology.

The first practical printing press with movable type dates back to 1450 and was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Germany. This invention revolutionized the printing industry and made it possible to mass-produce books and other printed materials. Gutenberg's handpress allowed for faster and more efficient printing, marking a significant milestone in the history of printing technology.

Narrowcasting refers to a shift in focus from reaching a large, general audience through mass media broadcasting to targeting smaller, specific niche populations. This means that instead of trying to appeal to a broad range of people, narrowcasting aims to tailor content and messages to a specific group with shared interests or characteristics. This approach allows for more personalized and targeted communication, which can be more effective in reaching and engaging the intended audience.

Social structure in sociology generally refers to the patterned social arrangements and relationships that exist within a society. It encompasses the various social institutions, organizations, groups, and roles that individuals occupy and interact with. It emphasizes the way these elements are interconnected and how they shape social behavior, norms, and expectations. Social structure provides a framework for understanding and analyzing the dynamics of social life and the ways in which individuals are influenced by and contribute to the larger social system.

Agency in sociology refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently and make choices based on their own intentions and beliefs. It emphasizes the idea that individuals have the ability to shape their own lives and make decisions that may not be predetermined or influenced solely by external factors. This concept recognizes the importance of individual autonomy and the role of personal agency in social interactions and societal structures.

The correct answer implies that structure refers to a concept that is not related to physical objects or entities. Instead, it pertains to the description of recurring social patterns. This suggests that structure is a way to understand and analyze the organization and relationships within a social system, rather than being a tangible or material aspect.