1. KQ: How has new media influenced the way we live?
Starter:
Read the text.
Underline key terms.
Circle any key terms that you are not sure of.
TIF: On your whiteboard have a go at defining the key terms
5 minutes 5

2. Some sociologists have suggested that relatively new forms of communications technology have completely swamped people with information.
They have become overloaded with ideas and images, to such an extent that the difference between reality and images of reality has begun to breakdown, creating a form of alternative reality or hyperreality.
In other words, some people appear to be unable to distinguish between what they see on television and encounter in the virtual world of the internet, and the everyday world of lived experience. We are creating a culture of simulation.
People who feel alientated from people in the real world begin to place great value on what they see on the television
This is one explanation for the popularity of soap operas or reality television programmes like The Only Way is Essex.

3. Watch the clips and explain the meaning of the keyword.
What is a hyper reality?
Watch the clips and explain the meaning of the keyword.
Why might a hyper reality appeal to people who feel alienated in every day life? 10

4. Key Terms
Hyperreality – an alternative reality based on the individual’s experience of the mass media – particularly television and the internet. Alienated – lacking connection with the social world. Culture of simulation – a virtual world that becomes more important to the individual that their day-to-day lived experience (see hyperreality).
Over to you!
Capture what you have learned this lesson in 50 – 100 words. You must include these three key terms.
TIF: How does social networking link with a culture of simulation?
10 minutes

5. Social networking sites – reality?

6. Development in technology What the development means for the consumer
What the term means
What the development means for the consumer
Digitalization
Interactivity
Convergence
The internet
10 minutes
p.192

7. Copy and complete this table
Development in technology
What the term means
What the development means for the consumer
Digitalization
Interactivity
Convergence
The internet
Multi-channel television, ability to record, remind, select shows
Consumer is actively choosing what to watch & when
“Pressing the red button” to interact with shows e.g. vote, get further info
Consumer is actively taking part in a show/accessing further info
Lots of forms of multimedia in one product e.g. smart phones
p.192
Easier access to information at any time, in any place
Access to a huge amount of information, although not necessarily accurate
World wide wireless access to information through multimedia

8. Active audience Passive audience Hypodermic syringe
Uses and gratifications
Decoding
Secondary socialisation
Identity
Political socialisation

9. KQ: How far would sociologists agree that the mass media is the most powerful agent of socialisation?
Assigned roles:
Pages NT
‘BIG BOSS’ – tells the group what to read. Makes sure everyone joins in. Decide when to stop and start reading. Will instruct the others when to carry out their roles.
‘SUMMARISER’ – tell the group what you have read in your own words. You must only summarise the important information. Be concise!
15 minutes
‘QUESTIONER’ – after reading, ask questions which will help the group to understand what has been read. 5
‘CLARIFIER’ – highlights anything you do not understand or require help defining.