Mass Mis-Communication

I decided to write this because recently, my girlfriend Aydan has just started her diploma in Mass Communication. I thought it was a good decision from her, since she is a very smart young lady with certain qualities and talents especially in writing, artistic ideas and she has what it is needed to excel in her studies. I personally and honestly think this is something she would love to do now, and in the future.

And the better part is, she emails me every notes that was given to her by the lecturer, so I can learn from home and not having to pay and go for the classes myself. It's a two-in-one package. It makes an economic-sense, no?

So I was called to write something about this matter. As I've few times mentioned the importance of communication in daily life, especially in the office, with friends, or even to your life partner. And to understand the basics of communication, here are the major parts in human face to face communication:

- 55% of impact is determined by body language—postures, gestures, and eye contact,
- 38% by the tone of voice, and
- 7% by the content or the words used in the communication process.

But that's not what I wish to write about now. I want to write a little bit about Mass Communication.

Mass communication is the term used to describe the academic study of the various means by which individuals and entities relay information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time. It is usually understood to relate to newspaper and magazine publishing, radio, television and film, as these are used both for disseminating news and for advertising. (Wikipedia: Mass communication)

In shorter explanation, mass communication is a production or transmission of messages that are consumed and received by large audience.

The functions of Mass Communication are for:

- Surveillance
- Correlation
- Socialization
- Entertainment
- Advertising or Commercializing

There are many techniques to distribute and to transmit messages to a massive number of people, such as:
- Internet
- Television
- News papers, magazines, books, journal
- Radio
- Movies/Film

At the same time, there are effects of Mass Communication to the audience:
- The audience can be controlled through messages
- The audience can be misinformed through messages
- Limits individuality
- Possible change in behaviors, attitudes and beliefs of the audience.

These explanations might be too formal and I wish I am good enough to tell a better story. I will, in time.

Alright, enough with some learning today. I have a good example of Mass Communication Gone Wrong. This is just a simple one, and yet, can caused us a lot of trouble.

Have fun reading.

*******

Memo from CEO to Manager:

Today at 11 o'clock there will be a total eclipse from the sun. This is where the sun dissapears behind the moon for two minutes. As this is something taht cannot be seen every day, time will be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the parking lot. Staff should meet in the lot at ten to eleven, when I will deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse, and giving some background information. Safety goggles will be made available at a small cost.

Memo from Manager to Department Head:

Today at ten to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which will appear for two minutes. For a moderate cost, this will be made safe with goggles. The CEO will deliver a short speech beforehand to give us all some information. This is not something that can be seen everyday.

Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:

The CEO will today deliver a short speech to make the sun dissapear for two minutes in the form of an eclipse. This is something that cannot be seen every day, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost.

Memo from Floor Manager to Superior:

Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the CEO will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn't happen every day. It will be safe, and as usual it will cost you.

Memo from Superior to staff:

Some staff will go to the car park today to see the CEO dissapear. It is a pity this doesn't happen every day.

*******

Don't ask "To where?" if you are not ready to hear the answer

Dem yuh!