mass media etymology

Etymology

The term "mass media" is derived from two Latin words:

  • "Mass" (massa): A large or indefinite number of people
  • "Media" (medium): An agent or means of communication

Meaning

Mass media refers to the channels and platforms used to communicate information and entertainment to a large audience. It includes traditional forms such as print (newspapers, magazines, books), radio, television, and film, as well as newer digital platforms such as the internet, social media, and mobile devices.

Origin

The concept of mass media emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of industrialization and urbanization. As cities grew and populations became more concentrated, new technologies were developed to reach broader audiences with information and ideas.

  • Mass printing: The development of the printing press in the 15th century enabled the production and distribution of large quantities of written material.
  • Telegraph and telephone: In the 19th century, the telegraph and telephone revolutionized long-distance communication, allowing for instant transmission of news and information.
  • Radio and cinema: The invention of the radio in the early 20th century and the rise of cinema brought about new forms of entertainment and mass communication.
  • Television: The advent of television in the mid-20th century became a transformative medium, reaching millions of people simultaneously with news, entertainment, and advertising.
  • Digital media: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the emergence of the internet, smartphones, and social media platforms expanded the possibilities for mass media communication and created new challenges for regulating and understanding its influence.

mass media relate terms

  • mass

    Etymology The word mass has origins in multiple languages Latin missa meaning d

  • media

    Etymology The word media is derived from the Latin word medium meaning middle or

  • mass media

    Etymology The term mass media is derived from two Latin words Mass massa A larg

  • medium

    Etymology The word medium originates from the Latin word medius which means middle

  • headline

    Headline Etymology The word headline comes from the 17th century printing term running

  • alternative

    Alternative Etymology Word History Traditional Etymology From Greek historia mean

  • natter

    Etymology The word natter originated from the Middle English term natren which itse

  • agglomeration

    Etymology The word agglomeration comes from the Latin roots ad meaning to or to

  • spin

    Etymology The word spin has Germanic roots Old English spinnan German spinnen

  • disinformation

    Etymology Dis prefix meaning without or opposite Information noun meaning know

  • global

    Etymology The word global derives from the Late Latin globalis meaning spherical

  • radical

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word radix meaning root Meaning Fundamental

  • keel

    Etymology The word keel comes from the Middle English word kele which is derived fr

  • retribution

    Etymology Latin retributio retributionis retribution punishment retribuere to