Introduction to Mass Media

Chapter 1 Discussion Questions

Instructor: Keith Forrest

 

“Here may lie the most important effect of mass communication, its ability to mentally order and organize our world for us. In short, the mass media may not be successful in telling us what to think, but they are stunningly successful in telling us what to think about."
— Donald Shaw & Maxwell McCombs, 1977

 

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Why?

 

How much time do you spend doing the following activities in a day?  In a week?

 

Watching television

Listening to the radio

Reading a newspaper

Reading a magazine

Reading a book

Watching a movie

Surfing the net

Listening to music

 

What was the most recent of the following that you consumed? 

Television Show

Radio Program

Newspaper

Magazine

Book

Movie

Internet Site

Music

 

Which do you like best and why?

 

Do you think these activities have helped form your attitudes, beliefs, and/or values?