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Media refers to all communication channels, both mass communication and more personal forms, that distribute information, entertainment, and cultural messages.
Technology includes the tools, innovations, and systems that allow for media production, distribution, and consumption.
Technological determinism argues that technology is the primary force shaping society.
Social constructivism argues that society, human needs, and cultural factors drive technological development.
The evolutionary model of technological change suggests that technology develops progressively, with new technologies building on earlier inventions.
The social functions of media include information dissemination, socialization and cultural transmission, entertainment and leisure, and political mobilization.
Mass media refers to the various forms of communication that reach large audiences, typically through technology.
New media refers to digital forms of communication that use the internet and technology to create, share, and interact with content.
Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology to repeatedly harass, intimidate, or harm someone, typically among children and teenagers.
Online harassment is a broader term that refers to the use of digital platforms to target individuals with threats, intimidation, or harmful behavior.
Misinformation refers to spreading false or misleading information, regardless of intent.
An echo chamber is an online or media environment where people are primarily exposed to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs.
Media Fragmentation refers to the increasing division of audiences across different media platforms and sources.
Sociologists analyze media and technology through the different sociological perspectives to understand how they function in society.
The functionalist perspective views media and technology as tools that contribute to social stability and cohesion.
Narcotizing Dysfunction occurs when individuals become overwhelmed with media information, leading to apathy instead of action.
The conflict perspective argues that media and technology reinforce social inequalities and maintain power imbalances.
Symbolic interactionism examines how individuals create and interpret meanings through media and technology.
Neo-Luddites are skeptical of technology, believing it creates more social problems than benefits, such as job displacement and privacy concerns.
Technophiles embrace technological advances, viewing them as progress that improves communication, efficiency, and quality of life.
Two forms of technological stratification include the digital divide and the knowledge gap.
As technology advances, access to media and digital resources remains uneven, leading to what sociologists call the digital divide—the gap between those who have reliable access to digital technology and those who do not.
The digital divide has led to the knowledge gap, which suggests that as information becomes more widely available, people with greater access to technology and education benefit the most, while marginalized groups fall further behind.
E-readiness is a critical factor in determining the extent of the digital divide. E-readiness refers to a person’s or society’s ability to effectively use digital tools for learning, work, and civic participation.
Media consolidation refers to the process by which fewer companies acquire and control a growing share of media outlets.
When media consolidation occurs, it often results in an oligopoly, where only a few major firms dominate the media industry, limiting competition and independent voices.
Corporate media control can lead to a lack of diverse voices, profit-driven content, and gatekeeping.
Digital colonialism happens when a few powerful technology companies—mostly based in Western countries—control the internet, digital platforms, and data around the world.
Governments and private organizations use media regulation and censorship to control the flow of information, shaping what people can see, hear, and share.
Media regulation refers to laws and policies that govern media industries to ensure ethical standards, prevent misinformation, and protect public interest.
Censorship occurs when governments, corporations, or platforms suppress or restrict access to certain information.
As digital technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, concerns about surveillance and privacy are growing. Key concerns include government surveillance, corporate data collection, and loss of anonymity.
Media globalization refers to the growing connection and sharing of media across different countries, allowing information, entertainment, and news to spread worldwide.
Technological diffusion refers to the process by which new technologies spread from one society or group to another.
Some of the most significant emerging technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance technologies, and automation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions with minimal human input.
Surveillance technologies are tools and systems used to monitor, track, and collect information about individuals, groups, or environments.
Automation—the use of machines and AI to perform tasks traditionally done by humans—is transforming industries and changing the future of work.
