The Fourth Mass Media And Mass Communication Change

Tills artilce discusses the impact of tile Fourth Medium,Internet, which isemerging as a mass medium, on mass communication and its future. It begins with a defintion of the Fourth Medium, which it says has eight characteristics. It then offers an overview of the development of the Fourth Medium in China, drawing attention in particular to the editing capabilities of the Fourth Medium. Next, the article discusses the profound impact of Internet on the theories and practices of mass communication, noting that traditional mass media and journalism schools must bring themselves up to date in order to meet tile challenges up ahead. Finally, the author explores the impact of Internet Ofl tile traditional society, explaining that tile development of the Fourth Medium has promoted the democratization process of the human community, but Internet as it stands now has not yet been able to and will not be able to realize full freedom and equality. While acclaiming the new space for communication created by the Tiew medium, tile author also draws attention to tile negative impact of Internet communication. A civilized cyberspace hinges on both self-discipline aiid regulatory mechanisms.