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Running head: THEORIES OF MASS MEDIA
Theories of Mass Media
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
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THEORIES OF MASS MEDIA
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Theories of Mass Media
Chapter 7
What are Functionalism Theory and Communication System Theory?
Functionalism Theory focuses on the structural functions that exist in society and the
organization of society to perform the different tasks effectively. In mass media, the
functionalism theory stresses the significance and power of mass media and the possible dangers
that may arise when a few individuals interfere with its structural functions to manipulate the
general public opinion (Fourie, 2016). On the other hand, communication system theory regards
the transfer of information from one medium to another within a specific setting referred to as a
system. The theory conceptualizes the relationships between different types of audiences and the
mass media, while also describing the process of communication to enhance the understanding of
the influence that the media has.
List and briefly explain the 4 classic functions of media
Surveillance: surveillance refers to the process by which the media provides its audience
with news and information regarding various aspects and occurrences across the globe.
Therefore, surveillance involves the media collecting information and then distributing it to the
general public.
Correlation: Correlation function of the media refers to its responsibility of analyzing
and interpreting information gathered before finally presenting it to the audience. Therefore,
before the media achieves this function, it collects information, interprets, analyzes, and then
selects the appropriate ones to present to the public.
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Entertainment: Entertainment refers to the provision of amusing programs or
information to the public to help them relax and get relief from everyday life stresses. The media
achieves this function by presenting different activities, including music and movies, among
others, that fit different audiences like children, adults, and youths among others.
Transmission of Social Heritage: This function regards the media’s responsibility and
mandate to communicate core societal values, styles and norms across all cultures. The primary
aim of this function is to promote respect and appreciation of diversity, upholding of cohesion,
and ensuring that the beliefs, norms, rules, and values are transferred from one generation to
another.
What is the meaning of Manifest and Latent functions of media?
Manifest functions refers to the actions and activities of the media that the audience or
general public can readily observe and those whose consequences were intended. On the other
hand, Latent functions regard the activities and actions of the media not easily observable or
those that were not intended.
Define Narcotizing Dysfunction and Mass Entertainment theory?
Narcotizing Dysfunction theory states that people generally become apathetic to the
particular issues that the mass media inundates them with, thus substitute knowledge for action.
The theory describes the inherent dysfunction of mass media when presenting incidents and
events in society that draw controversy (Wei, 2017). It opines that the public may only exhibit
superficial concerns about their problems from the vast information that they receive from the
media.
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On the other hand, the Mass Entertainment Theory argues that mass entertainment fill the
cross-gender, cross-cultural, cross-boundary, and cross-national needs of all the different
audiences in society (Wei, 2017). The theory further states that the level, amount, and types of
enjoyment that the audience usually get from mass entertainment depends more on their
intellectual background than their cultural backgrounds.
List and define 4 Television violence theories as contained in your PPt presentation?
Catharsis Theory: The Catharsis theory of Television violence states that people can get
catharsis or emotional release by watching violent programs presented on the Televisions
(catharsis originates from the Greek word Katharsis which literally means purging or cleansing)
(Busching, Allen, & Anderson, 201…
