Final answer:
Mass media includes traditional forms such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and extends to digital platforms like the Internet and social media. This broad range of media platforms allows for the dissemination of information on a large scale, informing and shaping public opinion, particularly in the realm of politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mass media refers to a variety of communication methods that are capable of reaching large, distributed audiences simultaneously. This includes traditional platforms such as newspapers, magazines, and radio, as well as digital forms like the Internet and television. A significant portion of information, especially regarding politics and government, is disseminated to the public through these channels. Mass media is a crucial tool for informing citizens and potentially shaping political narratives. With the advent of new technologies, the landscape of media has broadened, leading to what is known as new media. This includes electronic communication methods like social media, blogs, and online news platforms that bank on digital interaction and are often more immediate and interactive than traditional forms.
Historically, mass media underwent several key developments, starting with print journalism, followed by radio, network television, cable television, and finally the proliferation of Internet-based new media. These newer forms of media allow individuals to engage with content in ways previously unimaginable, offering a wide variety of sources for news, making new media a powerful force in contemporary society.
The role of media extends beyond providing news—media entertains, watches for corruption, sets the national agenda, and promotes the public good. As technology continues to advance, media and communication methods evolve, reflecting the integral relationship between technology and the way societies share and consume information.