From the functionalist perspective, mass media serve four main functions in society:
Socialization: Mass media helps to socialize people into the norms and values of society. This is done through the portrayal of different social roles and behaviors in movies, television shows, and other forms of media.
Social control: Mass media can be used to control social behavior by setting standards for what is considered acceptable and unacceptable. This is done through the way that news stories are covered, the way that celebrities are portrayed, and the way that advertising is used.
Integration: Mass media helps to integrate different groups of people into society by providing a common forum for communication and shared experiences. This is done through the way that news stories are covered, the way that sports events are broadcast, and the way that entertainment programming is produced.
Entertainment: Mass media provides people with a way to relax and escape from the everyday world. This is done through the production of movies, television shows, music, and other forms of entertainment.
Functionalists believe that mass media is an important part of society and that it serves a number of positive functions. However, they also acknowledge that mass media can have negative effects, such as the promotion of violence and consumerism.