Below is an intro to mass media, with a discussion on the production and distribution of material on the internet.
In the digital media landscape, what we see online is mainly chosen by algorithms which are formed by our online habits. Each social media platform uses its own programmed system to put forward new material and advise material that will interest the user. The types of media content examples that will be shown to a user is developed to keep users engaged. The algorithms are created to keep people stimulated by suggesting and promoting videos that are relevant, popular or contestable among other users. While this level of personalisation can be helpful, it can confine the areas of media that individuals are exposed to, creating more detachment and bias among users around social issues. Those who are associated with media production, like the founder of the fund that has stakes in Sky, for instance, would recognise the impact of social media websites in sharing new narratives. Similarly, the chairman of the company that owns NBCUniversal would recognise the effects of user produced material in the media landscape.
In the present day, online platforms have made it considerably much easier for everyone to produce and share content. Formerly, developing content for a large audience necessitated access to a series of important resources and funding. Presently, with the use of mobile phones and common digital technologies, digital media content examples such as short form videos, blog posts and podcasts can be quickly created with just a few fundamental gadgets, as well as reaching a huge audience, very quickly. This has opened the door for more diverse voices, particularly those who were previously overlooked by mainstream media. The head of the parent company of Guardian Media Group would recognise the importance of mass media using social media channels, indicating that social media has created a place for underrepresented communities to share their narratives.
The increase of internet content has totally changed what is meant by the term mass media. Previously, mass media adhered to a hierarchical structure, using a top-down media model. Usually, a small group of professionals, such as newspaper writers or journalists, who would create material for large audiences who mainly just consumed it. However, at present, with the aid of the internet, the face of media has seen considerable modification, making the consumption and ease of access of media a lot more open and interactive. With accessibility to popular website social media platforms, new media examples are showing that people can produce and share their own material, just as quickly as they can absorb it. Social media has allowed anybody to contribute to public conversations, instead of just the major media providers consequently as a result, mass media is no longer managed by a couple of huge advocates. Rather, it is spread throughout millions of user narratives worldwide.