| In an attempt to begin bridging mass communication with interpersonal communication in everyday life, this thesis proposes the study of Media Tracing, the incorporation of mass mediated symbols into everyday communication. Two forms of Media Tracing were examined: Media Tracing References and Media Tracing Lines. A Media Tracing Reference occurs when a title, character, scene, plot, or media personality is referred to during an interaction, but actual lines from the media source are not used. A Media Tracing Line is observed when actual lines of dialogue, slogans, catchphrases, lyrics, or texts are used during an interaction. The Media Tracing Measure (MTM), a structured self-report form and a modified version of the Iowa Communication Record (ICR), was developed in order to record instances of Media Tracing as they occurred in everyday communication. This initial exploration revealed the following: (a) Media Tracing occurs most frequently among people who share close personal relationships; (b) Media Tracing is used in a wide variety of locations and during numerous activities; and (c) the majority of Media Tracings are drawn from electronic media such as movies and television, while very few are derived from print media such as newspapers, books, and magazines. It was indicated that Media Tracing References might serve the following four primary functions: (a) illustration, (b) humor and teasing, (c) the introduction of a topic or a media source, and (d) as a face-saving device. Media Tracing Lines appear to serve the following interactional and relational functions in everyday communication: (a) depersonalization of messages; (b) enacting a persona; (c) exhibiting media knowledge; (d) reducing tension; (e) humor, entertainment, and teasing; (f) identification and group membership; and (g) incidental reasons. The results of this study are discussed along with consequences of the findings. Suggestions for future elaboration of this concept are offered. |
