Final answer:
Mass communication is the distribution of messages to large audiences primarily through media such as television, radio, print, and the Internet. It serves multifaceted roles in society, from informing the public to entertaining them, and is subject to influence by media conglomerates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of mass communication is best defined as the communication of a concept or message to large audiences. It is a form of communication that is designed to reach a large number of people through various means such as television, radio, print media, and the Internet. Mass communication is utilized to inform, entertain, and influence the public, covering a wide range of content from news to entertainment.
One of the primary reasons citizens turn to mass media is for news coverage—expecting important political and social events and information to be presented in a concise and neutral manner. Mass media also includes entertainment forms such as films, books, and music. They play a role in watching for corruption, setting the national agenda, and promoting the public good.
Media conglomerates, which own multiple media outlets, can potentially create monopolies that may impact the diversity and flow of information to the public. These media outlets, facilitated by varying technologies, share content with vast numbers of individuals, influencing how societies engage with each other and with technology. The evolving nature of technology, especially in the context of the Internet and social media, has expanded the boundaries of mass communication, making it a deeply integrated aspect of modern society.