In addition to television and film, mass media include radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet.
Radio is still the most accessible form of media, globally speaking. The convenience in terms of cost and use is a main factor in making it available to almost every corner of the world. The popularity of radio also reflects the penchant for music over television in the human spirit. Music is something innate and moving in a way that a silver screen can never be. Music is also accessible and easily replicated by anyone who feels like singing or picking up an instrument. Television and film takes more effort and collaboration, which isn’t always an option, because of time, space, or numbers.
Film ratings are a huge controversy, as mentioned in yesterday’s post. What is considered more dangerous: sex or violence? Why is it okay for children to watch a man or woman kill another man or woman, but not watch a man or woman love another man or woman? Much like the argument for a lower legal drinking age, do ratings like NC-17 and R movies encourage kids to rebel and seek danger and inappropriate materials and activities?
Though newspapers are declining in popularity, magazines still play a crucial role, especially in the female adolescent experience. Young teenage girls bond over glossy pages and fashion advice while they gossip and discuss romance and growing up.
Perhaps an until-now ignored topic of mass media is the social networking: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Friendster, LiveJournal, etc. What do we gain when online chats and wall posts replace face-to-face conversations? Why is it more awkward to share personal sentiments and inner thoughts to an actual person, and not to their face on a video chat? The amount of time spent pouring thoughts out to a keyboard is disgusting compared to the amount of time spent actually working out problems in live interactive situations.
Stina's Blog 
I certainly agree with a lot of your points, but there are two areas I feel may be interpreted differently than you suggest.
Music is indeed a triumph of human creativity and truly alive, but can there not be that same vibrancy and art in a really good movie or tv show? Of course, the standard fare is sensationalist, melodramatic drivel, but if someone were to make a truly beautiful film, I believe it would be as powerful, if not more, than music.
The other point I’d like to speculate on is social interaction online. Of course, some things are better to work out face to face. Most interactions should take place in a scenario where people are able to physically interact with other people. However, I wonder whether social media tends to affect the time we spend interacting with others, and not the time we might otherwise spend somewhat isolated. It seems to me that facebook posts, AIM messages, and texts are generally used from the comfortable safety of one’s home. In such an environment, one must wonder whether these social media might actually provide a chance for more social interaction than might otherwise occur.
I thought your blog was great! Thanks for letting me read it!
Isn’t part of his point that radio is used in areas without access to other technology? Maybe it’s just been too many nights since I did the reading, but I was under the impression he referred to radios more in the context of news radio over music. I agree, though, that music can transcend boundaries.
Your point about magazines makes me a little uneasy. I personally never read fashion or gossip magazines with the exception of while I was getting my hair cut, and I think I turned out alright. I think girls could easily get this information from the internet, TV, or, God forbid, real life.
The only impact of magazines seems to be an obsession with consumer culture, anorexia, and whether your favorite celebrity has cheated on his wife yet.
I like your last part about social interaction online. There are so many people who are one person in real life and completely different online. I have a friend from camp who seems quiet and shy in person, but online he’s a big flirt who constantly posts what’s on his mind.