The terms communication, mass media, and journalism may sound similar. Many people, particularly the new generation, are often confused about their proper meaning. They mistakenly believe that communication or mass communication is the same as journalism. As a result, some students who are interested in communication shy away from studying these subjects because they do not want to pursue a career in journalism. However, it is crucial to recognize that communication or mass media plays a significant role in our daily lives. In today’s competing age, effective communication skills are essential for success in any field. Moreover, the study of communication or mass communication is valuable for various professions such as politics, teaching, medicine, writing, and industry or business.
To shed light on these matters, a class 12 student named Sakriya Dhamala posed some important questions to Dr. Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, a communication expert, scholar, author, and professor of communication and journalism based in Canada. This interaction between the student and professor is highly relevant for the new generation of students who wish to understand or study journalism, communication, or mass media. Their discussion focuses on questions such as the importance of studying this subject in the era of fake news (disinformation), its interdisciplinarity, whether it obliges one to become a journalist or offers other career opportunities, the distinction between social media and mass media, and how communication skills contribute to personal advancement.
This student-teacher interaction provides valuable insights into the field of mass communication, its relevance to various professions and businesses, and the communication skills that can help individuals achieve their career goals. If you are a communication teacher, this discussion will give you a comprehensive understanding of the scope, importance, and prospects of the subject, enabling you to guide your students towards their future career goals. If you are a student, it offers information about the subject itself, why it is worth studying, and how it can benefit your professional life. Even if you are simply a producer or consumer of media content, this discussion will help you comprehend the importance of media literacy.
(Ms Dhamala is a 12 grader student)
