Communication vs. Mass Communication — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 9, 2023
Communication refers to the exchange of information, while Mass Communication pertains to disseminating information to a large audience through media channels.
Difference Between Communication and Mass Communication
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The realm of Communication can be intimate, as seen in one-on-one conversations, or broader, such as in corporate announcements. Regardless of its scope, the key is mutual understanding between sender and receiver. Mass Communication, however, often has a one-to-many dynamic. It involves sending a uniform message to a broad audience, with feedback mechanisms being more indirect.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Technological advances have blurred the lines between personal and mass communication. Social media, for example, allows individuals to communicate personally, but with the potential for messages to reach masses. Yet, the distinction remains: Communication focuses on the exchange, while Mass Communication emphasizes the scale and medium of that exchange.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Furthermore, Communication encompasses all forms of interaction, irrespective of the medium. A handwritten letter, a gesture, a text message, or even a look can serve as a channel. Mass Communication, on the other hand, relies heavily on media entities. Newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts, television shows, and now digital platforms are its primary vehicles.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Communication is a foundational concept that entails the process of conveying and receiving information, ideas, or feelings between individuals or groups. It can be verbal, non-verbal, written, or visual and forms the bedrock of human interaction. In contrast, Mass Communication specifically concerns itself with reaching a vast number of people, predominantly using media channels like newspapers, television, and radio.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Exchange of information between entities.
Dissemination of information to a large audience via media.
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Oct 09, 2023
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Medium
Varies (verbal, written, gestures).
Media channels (TV, radio, newspapers, digital platforms).
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Oct 09, 2023
Definitions
Communication
The process of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings.
Effective communication is key to understanding and collaboration.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Mass Communication
The process of disseminating information to a vast audience.
Newspapers and TV are traditional forms of mass communication.
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Oct 03, 2023
Communication
The act of conveying meanings from one entity to another.
Through communication, cultures have passed down stories and traditions.
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Oct 03, 2023
Mass Communication
Engaging a widespread audience via print, broadcast, or digital media.
Advertising campaigns heavily rely on mass communication to reach consumers.
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Oct 03, 2023
Communication
The transfer of information through various mediums.
Modern technology has revolutionized the speed and efficiency of communication.
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Oct 03, 2023
Mass Communication
Broadcasting messages through media channels.
The rise of the internet changed the landscape of mass communication.
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Oct 03, 2023
Mass Communication
The large-scale distribution of news or information.
Social media platforms have become powerful tools for mass communication.
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Oct 03, 2023
Communication
The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.
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Oct 02, 2023
Mass Communication
The act of transmitting information, often uniformly, to large groups.
Radio was one of the earliest means of mass communication.
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Oct 03, 2023
Communication
The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.
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Oct 02, 2023
Communication
The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting.
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Oct 02, 2023
Communication
Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.
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Oct 02, 2023
Communication
A system, such as mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages.
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Communication
A network of routes for sending messages and transporting troops and supplies.
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Communication
Communications The technology employed in transmitting messages.
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Communication
(Biology) The transfer of information from one molecule, cell, or organism to another, as by chemical or electrical signals or by behaviors.
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Communication
A joining or connecting of solid fibrous structures, such as tendons and nerves.
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Communication
The act or fact of communicating anything; transmission.
Communication of smallpox
Communication of a secret
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Communication
(uncountable) The concept or state of exchanging data or information between entities.
Some say that communication is a necessary prerequisite for sentience; others say that it is a result thereof.
The node had established communication with the network, but had as yet sent no data.
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Oct 02, 2023
Communication
A message; the essential data transferred in an act of communication.
Surveillance was accomplished by means of intercepting the spies' communications.
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Communication
The body of all data transferred to one or both parties during an act of communication.
The subpoena required that the company document their communication with the plaintiff.
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Communication
An instance of information transfer; a conversation or discourse.
The professors' communications consisted of lively discussions via email.
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Oct 02, 2023
Communication
A passageway or opening between two locations; connection.
A round archway at the far end of the hallway provided communication to the main chamber.
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Communication
(anatomy) A connection between two tissues, organs, or cavities.
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Communication
(rhetoric) A trope by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says "we" instead of "I" or "you".
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Communication
The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.
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Communication
Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence.
Argument . . . and friendly communication.
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Communication
Association; company.
Evil communications corrupt good manners.
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Communication
Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection.
The Euxine Sea is conveniently situated for trade, by the communication it has both with Asia and Europe.
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Communication
That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.
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Oct 02, 2023
Communication
A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.
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Communication
The activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information;
They could not act without official communication from Moscow
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Communication
Something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups
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Communication
A connection allowing access between persons or places;
How many lines of communication can there be among four people?
A secret passageway provided communication between the two rooms
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Communication
The exchange of messages between sender and receiver.
Communication breakdowns can lead to misunderstandings.
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Oct 03, 2023
Communication
Interaction that builds connections and fosters relationships.
Communication is the backbone of any strong team.
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Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Does Mass Communication always involve media entities?
Traditionally, yes, but platforms like social media are changing that dynamic.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
How does Mass Communication differ in scope?
It specifically aims to reach a broad audience using media channels.
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Oct 09, 2023
Can a text message be considered Mass Communication?
Typically no, unless it's broadcasted to a vast audience, e.g., a tweet.
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Oct 09, 2023
Are emails considered Communication or Mass Communication?
Typically communication, unless sent en masse, like in newsletters.
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Oct 09, 2023
Can a podcast be a form of Mass Communication?
Yes, as it's a medium that reaches a large and diverse audience.
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Oct 09, 2023
Can a face-to-face conversation be termed as Mass Communication?
No, it's a personal form of communication.
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Oct 09, 2023
Why is feedback more challenging in Mass Communication?
Due to the vast audience, direct and immediate feedback isn't always possible.
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Oct 09, 2023
How does social media blur the lines between the two?
It allows personal communication to potentially reach a mass audience if content goes viral.
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Oct 09, 2023
What's the core of Communication?
It's the exchange and understanding of information between entities.
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Oct 09, 2023
Is every form of Communication two-way?
Not always. Some communications are one-way, but feedback is crucial for understanding.
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Oct 09, 2023
Which is older, Communication or Mass Communication?
Communication, as it's a fundamental human activity. Mass Communication arose with the advent of media channels.
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Oct 09, 2023
How have digital platforms influenced Mass Communication?
They've made it more accessible, interactive, and immediate.
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Oct 09, 2023
Is sign language a form of Communication or Mass Communication?
It's a form of communication, unless broadcasted to a vast audience.
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Oct 09, 2023
Are gestures a part of Communication?
Yes, they fall under non-verbal communication.
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Oct 09, 2023
Do media entities always provide unbiased Mass Communication?
Ideally, yes, but media can sometimes have biases based on various factors.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
