Final answer:
The advances in technology over the past few decades have greatly influenced media consumption and the transmission of information, causing a shift from mass communication to new media. This has affected societal norms, political communication, and global culture, although it also comes with challenges such as media saturation and biased information dissemination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technological advancements in the past few decades have significantly impacted media consumption and the dissemination of information. Cable TV, satellites, fax machines, emails, and the Internet have all played critical roles in this transformation. The advent of cable in the 1980s expanded viewer options, and the spread of the Internet in the 2000s further diversified media access. Viewers today have the power to bypass commercials, stream content on-demand, and selectively tune in or out of political discourse, influencing the president's ability to communicate with citizens. Additionally, the rise of tablets, smartphones, and social media platforms has blurred the lines between traditional forms of media.
However, this evolution also presents challenges in terms of media saturation, potential bias, and the spread of certain values that may clash with different societies. Despite efforts to control media access by certain nations, technological innovations have made it increasingly difficult to contain the flow of information, as seen in historical events such as the Arab Spring. The consequence of these advancements has led to a shift from mass communication to new media, demanding that individuals, businesses, and government adapt to these rapid changes.