Mass communication refers to the process of transferring or transmitting a message to a large group of people. Typically, this requires the use of some form of the media, including newspapers, television and the internet. The term mass communication was coined in the 1920s, with the advent of nationwide radio networks, newspapers and magazines which were circulated among the masses. Surveillance remains the main function of mass communications, even today. It can also be an avenue of escape from the daily humdrum of our lives.

The term mass communications is also used to describe the academic study of the ways people and groups relay messages to a large audience. Mass communications are widely used, primarily because it is a rewarding exercise which awards a person or company brand and name recognition, instantly increasing credibility. Commonly used units of analysis for mass communications are the messages, medium for communication, and the audience for whom the message is intended.

Interest in mass communications, or mass comm., as an area of academic study is growing steadily. Today, a number of leading educational institutions offer majors in mass communications. Mass communications graduates can find jobs in the news media, advertising or public relations agencies, publishing houses and research institutes. With the advent of the internet, the demand for writers who can generate content for the online space is growing steadily and a number of mass comm. graduates are taking up content writing for the internet as a lucrative career option.

When majoring in mass communications in the US, students should be sure to choose a program that is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, an established membership organization for academics in the field of mass comm. A passion for words and exceptional thinking ability can lead you to a media-related course or a college major in mass communications.

As digital communication technology takes huge strides, the number of means that can be used as mass medium continue to expand and this could lead to a greater scope for the field of mass communications.