Final answer:
The mass media has notably increased its influence on socialization in the modern era, due to its widespread reach and role in reinforcing norms and behaviors, overshadowing traditional agents like family and peer groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agent of socialization that has increased its influence on our socialization in the modern era is the mass media. The mass media has a socializing influence visible when individuals adopt styles of dress and talk as portrayed in various media platforms. Unlike traditional agents of socialization like the family, peer groups, and educational institutions, the mass media reaches a wide and diverse audience repeatedly enforcing norms, behaviors, and values. In the context of an ever-globalizing world, the ability for individuals to connect through social media allows for the creation of echo chambers where existing beliefs can be reinforced.
While all agents of socialization play significant roles, the mass media's breadth and accessibility, especially through digital channels, make it a particularly powerful agent in contemporary society. With advancements in technology and the proliferation of digital media, the impact of media on socialization is profound, often overriding the influence of more traditional agents like family and schools.