Wk 1 - Summative Assessment American Mass Media and Culture
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Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture
Khalilah Safaa
University of Phoenix
HUM/186: Media Influences on American Culture
Instructor Angela M. Lee
June 1,2023
Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture
Since 1970, American mass media and culture have undergone significant changes. Among the most influential media types are television (TV) and the internet. This paper explores
the impact that TV and the internet have had on American culture since 1970, using specific examples to demonstrate how each medium has influenced society.
Television’s Influence on Culture
TV is one of the earliest forms of mass media in America, and it has had a profound impact on American culture since its inception. One of the most significant ways in which TV has
influenced American culture is through the programming it offers. With millions of households owning at least one TV set, it has become an ideal platform for delivering programming that has
influenced societal norms and perceptions. For example, TV shows like "All in the Family" (1971)
broke new ground by exploring issues like race and homosexuality more candidly than ever before. Before this show, television programming tended to shy away from such controversial topics, and its popularity helped to shift the perception of such issues by openly discussing them (Monsen & Gurbuz, 2021).
Another TV show with a significant impact on society was "The Cosby Show" (1984-1992
(Griffith, 2014). This show revolutionized the portrayal of African American families on TV, showing that they could be successful, middle-class families that faced the same struggles and joys as any other family. It proved that audiences were willing and eager to watch shows that portrayed ordinary Americans who were not white. It was the highest-rated TV show in America
for three consecutive years, demonstrating how quickly societal norms were changing at the time.
Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture Internet’s Influence on Culture
The internet is a newer and more recent form of mass media in America, and it has had an equally significant impact on American culture since its inception. The internet provides a platform for instant and real-time communication that is unmatched by any other medium. In 1970, the internet did not exist, and cyberspace was a term not yet coined. But by the 1990s, the internet had become a significant part of American culture, offering new ways for people to access information and communicate with others across the world.
One example of how the internet has influenced American culture is through online dating. Online dating was first publicly mentioned in a Usenet newsgroup in 1991 (Konradova, 2016). By the late 1990s, online dating was becoming a more popular way to meet people. Today, over 30 million people across the US use online dating sites, compared to 44% of couples who met through traditional routes like friends, family, or co-workers. The internet has revolutionized dating, making it easier for people to meet and connect with others beyond their
immediate social circles and geography.
Another way the internet has changed American culture is through social media. By 1970, social media did not exist. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms all emerged in the internet age, and they have significantly changed the way we communicate with
each other. Social media allows Americans to stay connected with each other in real-time, share
news, and join social movements. It can also spread misinformation and promote toxic online behavior. Political campaigns, for example, have had the power to sway voter’s opinions and change the outcome of elections with the help of social media (Matthews, J. 2017).
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Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture The influence of TV and the internet on American culture has been profound since 1970.
Both media types provided new platforms for Americans to explore and express their views on politics, society, and culture. While these platforms have enabled communities to connect and share information, they have also raised concern about social division, information decay, and powerful businesses controlling the flow of information.
Conclusion In conclusion, TV and the internet are significant contributors to the American mass media and culture. Both have had their role in shaping the way Americans perceive their society
and the world around them. Because of the internet, communication has become global and available to all. TV continues to be a significant source of cultural identities even in the age of streaming, and the political impact of both internet and TV remains to be seen in years to come.
Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture References
Griffith, J. (2014, October 21). The Cosby Show's hidden power
. BBC Culture. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140919-was-the-cosby-show-revolutionary
Konradova, N. (2016, August 16). The Usenet coup: how the USSR discovered the internet
in 1991
. Open Democracy. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/usenet-coup/
Matthews, Julian. (2017). The Sociology of Mass Media
. 10.1017/9781316418376.020.
Monsen, L., & Gurbuz, s. (2021, November 21). How American television developed over decades
. Share America. https://share.america.gov/how-american-television-developed-over-
decades/
Wk 1 - Summative Assessment: American Mass Media and Culture
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