Mass media refers to the means of communication that reach a large audience. This can include traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television, and radio, as well as newer media such as the internet and social media. Mass media is typically used to disseminate information and entertainment to a wide range of people.
Multimedia refers to the use of multiple media elements, such as text, images, audio, and video, to communicate information. Multimedia is often used in digital formats, such as on websites, DVDs, and CDs. Multimedia can be used to create a more engaging and interactive experience for the user, and it can also be used to communicate complex information in a more easily understandable way.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between mass media and multimedia:
| Feature | Mass Media | Multimedia |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Large audience | Smaller, more targeted audience |
| Content | Typically informational or entertainment-based | Can be informational, entertainment-based, or educational |
| Format | Traditional media (newspapers, magazines, TV, radio) or digital media (internet, social media) | Digital formats (websites, DVDs, CDs) |
| Interactivity | Limited interactivity | High interactivity |
In general, mass media is used to reach a large audience with a message, while multimedia is used to create a more engaging and interactive experience for the user.