SOC 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Human Sexuality, Sociological Perspectives, Digital Divide
Document Summary
Modern technology is changing the way we relate to others. Mass media: both television and the internet embrace print and electronic means of communication that carry messages to widespread audiences. Cultural convergence: refers to the flow of content across multiple media, and the accompanying migration of media audiences. One obvious function of the mass media is to entertain. The media socializes us, enforces social norms, confers status, and promotes consumption. An important dysfunction of the mass media is that they may act as a narcotic, desensitizing us to distressing events. Enforcer of social norms the media often reaffirm proper behavior by showing what happens to people who act in a way that violates societal expectations. The media play a critical role in human sexuality. Conferral of status the mass media confer status on people, organizations, and public issues. Another way the media confer celebrity status on individuals is by publishing information about the frequency of internet searches.
