Which of the following best describes the difference between mass media and social media?

• A. Mass media is unidirectional, while social media is multidirectional.
• B. Mass media is personal, while social media is corporate.
• C. Mass media is no longer used, while social media is more current.
• D. Mass media is sponsored by the state, while social media is privately owned.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of mass media and social media. Mass media refers to traditional forms of communication that broadcast information to a large audience, such as television, newspapers, and radio. Social media refers to digital platforms that allow users to create, share, and interact with content, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2. Step 2: Identify the directionality of communication in mass media. Mass media typically involves one-way communication where information flows from the source (e.g., a TV station) to the audience without direct feedback or interaction.
3. Step 3: Identify the directionality of communication in social media. Social media enables multidirectional communication, meaning users can interact with each other and the content creators, allowing for feedback, sharing, and conversations.
4. Step 4: Compare the options given in the problem to the characteristics of mass media and social media. Focus on the communication flow aspect to determine which option best captures the difference.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of the difference is that mass media is unidirectional (one-way communication), while social media is multidirectional (interactive and participatory communication).