The Necessary Evolution of Mass Communication Research in a Fragmenting Media Landscape Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • With the ongoing evolution of media channels, debates over the concept of mass communication have been reignited. When we live in a society of filter bubbles and AI-generated content, the very notion of a large uniform audience has been undermined. Indeed, the process of mass communication looks different today than in the early days of the field, which naturally affects how to define and measure media effects. In this forum, leading communication scholars provide arguments as to whether we should keep using the term “mass communication,” adapt its definition, or develop entirely new concepts that better reflect our fragmenting media environment.

publication date

  • March 1, 2026

Date in CU Experts

  • February 19, 2026 1:22 AM

Full Author List

  • Boukes M; Metzger MJ; Schmierbach M; Holbert RL; Rasheed H; Leonhard L; Bucy EP; McDevitt M

author count

  • 8

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1077-6990

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2161-430X

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 9

end page

  • 34

volume

  • 103

issue

  • 1