Media is the group of platforms and tools used to store and deliver information and data, especially the news. As such, it plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, influencing social and cultural norms, and facilitating the exchange of ideas and information in society.
The media encompasses a wide range of formats, including print and digital media (newspapers, magazines) and broadcast media (television, radio), known as the “traditional media”, but also social media (what people post on Facebook and Instagram, for example).
In the digital age, media has become increasingly interconnected and accessible, allowing for rapid sharing of information and global communication. However, at the same time that digitalisation gave a voice to many people and often more independent opinions, the proliferation of media sources also raises important questions about accuracy, credibility, personality cults, and the impact of media on democratic institutions (see Charismatic Leadership & the Demise of Opposition).
