Twentieth century has been witness to
prolific advancements in the field of communications. All old n hetorms have been
proven wrong and traditional channels of social interaction have been
superseded by new methods of reaching out to the masses. Most prominent of these are radio,
television, and film.
Motion pictures were the first modern form of mass medium of social interaction to come around. It raised immense curiosity among people and soon influenced the minds of the public planet. This was the most attractive medium as it has had a profound impact on culture and fashion trends worldwide; films with stars and good storylines soon impacted the mindsets and thinking of people of different countries. But, it has a big drawback as it is often highly biased and actually represents fictional situations, often carrying opinions of those producing them.
Another foray of technology that generated huge fan following is radio. This medium is not only the fastest tool for reaching people but it is also portable, enabling people to carry it around with them in the form of pocket-sized transistors. But, this form of communication lacked visual facility which has limited this invention to car FM radios today.
The biggest achievement of the last century is television which has revolutionized the approach and living styles of people. This audio-visual media is the fastest, most convenient method of updating information and reaching out to the masses: live news telecasts can reach drawing rooms within minutes of happening though it has a big disadvantage as TV sets have led people to disconnect themselves from their social circles and community.
In hindsight, although other means of mass communication have their own
relevance, the most formidable of all is television as it has speed, wider
reach, and relays happenings in the form of audio-visual content right in the homes.