Review these questions and keep them at hand as you complete this lesson's readings. These questions will help you internalize the reading materials and apply the concepts.

From "Using Media To Communicate Interpersonally" in DeFleur et al's "Human Communication"

1.) Your text emphasizes that using media presents a very different communication model than face-to-face. What are the parameters and reasons for this argument?

2.) In what ways does the type or choice of media influence communication?

3.) How has communication technology changed your work and personal life over the past decade? Does your experience match with that related in your text?

4.) As it relates to mediating messages, what impact have the following trends had on our personal and group communications?

• Mobile telecommunications (phone and handheld devices)
• Computer to computer communication (email, Web forums, IM, chat)

5.) What are the advantages and disadvantages to having open networks of communication media available to us?

From "Understanding Mass Communication" in DeFleur et al's "Human Communication"

6.) Which of the following would you contend is the most powerful of the massive media, and why?

• Television
• Radio
• Films
• Internet
• Books
• Magazines
• Newspapers

7.) Your text indicates that US household ownership rates for radios and televisions have remained steady for years. Do you expect trends such as satellite radio, high definition TV and multimedia to change the trend? Why or why not?

8.) Please describe the process of mass communication, as outlined in your reading. Do you agree that this is how "mass" communication occurs in contemporary society?

9.) Please summarize the effect of mass communication on its audiences, including "alternative" interpretations.

10.) What is mass communication's role in the "adoption process" as an agent of social and sociological change?