Mass Communication
1. What would McLuhan say about the impact of the Internet on the global vil-
lage? Consider the fact that civic, political, and religious participation are declin-
ing in America.24 Has electronic technology increased social connectedness?
2. How are portable media devices such as smart phones, iPods, and handheld
video games altering the media environment? How are these devices shaping sen-
sibilities?
3. Beyond changes in content, what are the differences in experiencing a book
and its translations into ilm or television?
4. Can you conceive of any way that McLuhan’s idea of media ecology could be
proved false?
