Hum 186 - Mass Media: Development and Literacy Assignment Options - the Evolution of Mass Media During the Last Century

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The telephone was another means of spreading information quickly, but was limited on being hardwired in order to be used. As the popularity of the telephone grew more and more people had them in their homes. When the Internet was introduced to the public the telephone played a major role in the advancement of that technology. It allowed computer users to communicate to others through electronic means. The Internet as we know it today has come a long way. Information can easily be searched or posted at a few strokes on the keyboard. News outlets can post directly to a website and get information out faster that in print form. The cost has also made it attractive to use electronic means in that no paper is used; no physical distribution is to be had, no handlers to be hired. Staff can be kept to minimum and still produce a quality product.

Media convergence and how it has affected everyday life

Media will always expand and evolve due to everyday advances in technology. There will always be an upgrade to be had; things will get lighter, faster, more compact, and easier to access. An example is the smartphone, when the first cell phones came out they were bulky, heavy, not always dependable, and definitely the use was pricy. Phones have evolved to combine many of the things we use the most such as a radio, television, computer, music player, and calculator all in a tiny compact device we can carry in our pockets.

Media literacy is important for responsible media consumption in that there is too much information to be had. Different media outlets are biased and have their personal point of views not always portraying the news as they should. It is important as consumers that we be informed but to also not be quick to judge based on the first thing that we hear. Just because it’s on the internet doesn’t make it true.