5 Ways Mass Media Has Helped the Society

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Mass Media is a means of communication that reaches the audience to inform, educate and entertain them. Time and time again, we hear the ill effects of mass media and its influence on society. It has many negative impacts but also some positive one's that people may not speak of very often. 

Traditional Media consisted of Folk music, songs, drama, theatre, festivals, fairs, etc. that made use of languages to communicate and convey the different culture, beliefs, rituals, traditions and practices of the society to the masses. Although now, Traditional media is not as prevailing as a print, electronic and digital or new media.

Here's how Print, Electronic and Digital Media help the society:

1. Informative:

Print Media like Newspapers, Magazines and Journals provide News and information to the citizens of their country about regional, national and international happenings in the world. It broadcasts the information to the masses by way of writing.

Newspapers not only disseminate information but further advertise, entertain, impart knowledge on various subjects including lifestyle, art, culture, science and technology, sports, politics, etc. Similarly, magazines advertise several brands, give beauty or fashion tips, publish recipes and much more.

Radio conveys information to the audience by way of audio. Its reachability is commendable when compared to the other types of mass media as it is also highly economical. It diffuses information, message, stories and entertainment in numerous languages currently holding a listenership of 51 million people. It has helped spread awareness to the rural areas by getting experts on their shows to impart knowledge, give instructions, etc.  

The audio-visual type of mass media is Television. Due to the audio-visual feature, a massive part of the population is interested in Television. Just like the rest of the types of mass media, this one too expands information to its viewers. From children to senior citizens, everyone enjoys watching Television. It broadcasts News, Sports, Infotainment, Content based on History, Wildlife, Science and Technology, Cooking, Daily Soap, etc.

2. Two Way Communication:

Digital or New Media enables the audience to not only engage with the disseminated content or information but also share it with others which naturally leads to widespread awareness. The Two-Way Communication lets the audience raise their voice or opinion regarding the information the New Media puts out. 

3. Entertainment along with Awareness:

Due to the ever-increasing web series and firsthand information from people on social media, Mass Media has been raising awareness about the LGBTQ+, Mental Illness, Women Empowerment, Racism, Sexism, Equality, etc. all over the world very quickly. There isn't enough knowledge about the topics mentioned earlier on the other types of mass media.

New Media offers access to the audience to obtain accurate information. Besides, if found otherwise, it can be rectified immediately. For example, TV/ Web series like Pose, One Day at A Time, Sex Education, Dear White People, When They See Us and without a doubt a show that immensely educates its viewers- Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.

With the help of New Media, people all over the globe can learn about different cultures, traditions, beliefs, ideas, religions, etc. Even though worlds apart, it makes everyone feel connected and educated. 

4. Awareness:

As mentioned earlier, Mass Media extensively spreads awareness. A large number of people watch Television and listen to the radio every day. They make it easy to share this knowledge among the masses because it is not difficult to understand. For instance, Bell Bajao Campaign / Ring the Bell Campaign and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign to help prevent domestic violence and to ensure the protection and education of girl child respectively.

Both Radio and Television have been proven beneficial in providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, like floods, landslides, etc. or helping to fund the less fortunate, or those diagnosed with diseases like cancer. 

5. Citizen Journalism in New Media:

Citizen Journalism refers to when an individual collects information, examines and disseminates it to the public on the internet. This information that is yielded by citizen journalists is the knowledge that is often critical to the masses.

They carry out the role of the media because the media may have been unavailable or unreachable from where that news was gathered. Citizen Journalism is commonly seen at the time of a natural disaster or emergencies. 

It is news that is received first or before any newspapers or news channels can report the incident. Sometimes, it is information that the media does not broadcast or lacks essential details. This also includes constant updates on something that the media fails to publish or report on the Newspapers, Television and Radio.

For instance, the Black Lives Matter Movement, wherein the protestors or bystanders help share videos or images to update everyone about the ongoing protests against the police brutality that has killed many African American people, including George Floyd. This has led to an uprising in the United States of America and protests all over the world.

People are constantly sharing petitions to be signed, links for donations, emails or text messages to the authorities requesting them to bring justice to Black people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Armery and countless others.

This has now helped elevate the charge of Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder from third-degree murder and the three former officers who are charged with aiding and abetting murder are- Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng. 

Citizen Journalism on social media has helped save many lives during the Kerala flood in 2018. These are just a few such incidents there have been many instances like these that have helped saved lives and provide relief to those in danger and affected by natural calamities. 

Mass Media is helping us move forward and be aware of everything that happens not only around you but also across the world. You can constantly learn and do new things because of it as there are no boundaries to it. All the necessary information you need to carry out your day-to-day activities at school, college, work, home, etc and comes from mass media.

 Written by - Ivanova

Edited by - Nidhi Verma