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Effects of Computers on the Mass Media

The mass media started as small papers across the world that were printed on old-fashioned printing presses. Over the decades technology has made it easier and quicker for news to travel around the world. One technological advance that has made the biggest impact on mass media is computers. Without computers people would not be able to obtain information as quickly as they can today.
  1. Removal of Gatekeepers

    • The biggest change computers have made with mass media is the fact that there is no gateway between the writer and publishing. Anyone can set up a personal blog and report whatever news they wish. News can get to people more quickly, but it typically doesn't go through the fact-checking or editing process like you'd see at a newspaper. Video blogs are another way news is delivered by anyone as well. People can record videos and post them online on popular mediums such as YouTube.

    Speed and Style

    • By the time a story is published in a newspaper it is likely that people already know what is happening. Even before it appears on the nightly news people have used computers to spread the word via social networking sites like Twitter or their personal blogs. News stations and newspapers even have places on their websites where their audience can submit news as it is happening. Writing style has changed as well. Journalism students are taught how to write for the online readers versus print. For example, frequently stories are updated throughout the day as news breaks, requiring a different mindset for a different audience.

    Rise of Multimedia

    • Computers allow journalists to add additional content to stories as well. Audio and video clips can be added to web stories, engaging the readers more than a newspaper or televised newscast can. Podcasts are a popular way news is delivered because the news can be downloaded on to an iPod and taken on the go. Another big change is the death of print media. Print products have generally been losing advertising revenue as more readers flock to the Web. Newspaper subscriptions have fallen dramatically.

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