Information is a very important thing for human beings because they rely on information to make right decisions in whatever situations they face. Mass media provides a convenient mode of spreading information very fast. For instance, were it not for mass media, people would have to depend on word of mouth as the main medium of accessing information. In such a case, people would wait to hear from messengers and travelers in order to know whatever is happening in Hollywood, Iraq or Parliament Hill in Ottawa. With the development in technology and mass media, an individual can access any kind of information wherever they are using a computer, internet enabled phone or television.
Mass media has made information accessibility and life in general more efficient and easy. For instance, before the development of the internet, individuals had to do all their academic research in libraries with only books to read. That was very tedious because at times the books were not available or people had to share books. Today, students can access books online even without visiting the library. The use of the internet for academic purposes is cheap, quick, efficient and easy. Many people can access the same information at once.
Mass media also plays an important role in ensuring that people access correct, accurate and true information. This is because this information will be accessed first hand by every person rather than when someone narrates the story and could end up omitting important details. For instance, information on the recent Chinese government coup can be accessed on the internet by people all over the world. People can know the exact details about anything going on around the world by simply searching the information online. In China, the media has no freedom; the government screens all kinds of information that is to be released to the public. In such a case, people in china do not have full information since only what the government approves is reported. However, with mass media, especially the internet, the Chinese citizens have the opportunity to access accurate and full information. However, the Chinese government knows how effective mass media can be; they have blocked all kinds of social media like YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. The international community and the Chinese citizens should advocate for fairness and freedom in the mass media and information sector in China. This will help people in China access accurate, correct and true information through various forms of mass media.
Works Cited
Vivian, John and Peter J Maurin. The Media of Mass Communication. 6. Toronto: Education Canada, 2012.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/worldview/why-the-coup-rumours-in-china-arent-going-away/article2376711/
