Blog assignment 2

·         What are the key technological breakthroughs that accompanied the transition to the print and electronic eras? Why were these changes significant?

They key technological breakthroughs that accompanied the transition to the print and electronic eras are mass market innovation. The fact that a machine can duplicate copies of a book or newspaper made everything so much faster. There were also many cultural changes that came along with the print and electronic era. For example, the Protestant Reformation, and modern nationalism were cultural changes. Things became more unified and consolidated. Another technological breakthrough that accompanied the print and electronic era was the industrial revolution, and also modern capitalism. The industrial revolution brought about different classes of people such as the upper class, middle class, and lower class. Individualism became a new part of life. This was more of a value then a technological breakthrough, but it changed as a result of the era. Another major breakthrough that accompanied these eras was the information age. This started with the invention of the telegraph. The telegraph had a huge impact on life and society. This made communication on its own. it no longer went hand in hand with transportation. Information now had a price. The telegraph even led to later inventions and technological breakthroughs. For example, the radio, cell phone, fax machine, television, DVD, and many of the electronic items we use today, such as our smart phones. These changes are significant because without these breakthroughs life would be different. Things changed from farm, to industry. Cities came about. Life is about new inventions and change, without these breakthroughs we would be stagnant in time. 

·         What are the five steps in critical process? Which of these is most difficult and why?

The five steps in critical process are description, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and engagement. The most difficult is interpretation because it demands answers. 

·         Why is the critical process important?

The critical process is important because you acquire more knowledge on different topics and also attain media literacy. Since you are gaining more and more knowledge and accumulate so many ideas, it leads you to be open to new thinking about the media. 

·         In looking at the history of pop culture, explain why newer and emerging forms of media seem to threaten status quo values.

Media culture has a great importance with modifying one's attitude, and awareness. This creates a different way of thinking about things.