Common Sense

Definition

Common sense refers to the basic level of practical knowledge and reasoning that is generally shared by a group of people. In the context of mass communication, common sense can influence public opinion and the interpretation of messages conveyed through various media, shaping how individuals perceive and respond to information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common sense helps people navigate daily life by providing a framework for understanding and interpreting information they encounter.
2. The advent of the printing press allowed for the wider dissemination of ideas, significantly impacting what was considered common sense in different societies.
3. Media can both reinforce and challenge prevailing common sense beliefs, affecting how audiences interpret news and information.
4. In a mass communication context, common sense can lead to oversimplification of complex issues, making critical analysis more challenging.
5. Understanding common sense is crucial for media producers and consumers alike, as it affects how messages are constructed and received.

Review Questions

• How does common sense impact the way individuals interpret media messages?
  • Common sense serves as a lens through which individuals view and interpret media messages. It shapes their understanding based on shared beliefs and experiences within their cultural context. This means that when people consume media, they may rely on their common sense to make quick judgments about the credibility or relevance of the information presented, often leading to assumptions that can oversimplify complex topics.
• In what ways did the printing press change the concept of common sense in society?
  • The printing press revolutionized communication by making literature and information more accessible to a broader audience. This accessibility allowed for diverse ideas and perspectives to circulate, which transformed what was considered common sense. As people were exposed to new thoughts and arguments through printed material, traditional beliefs were challenged, leading to shifts in societal norms and collective understanding.
• Evaluate the role of common sense in shaping public opinion during significant historical moments in mass communication.
  • Common sense plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion during pivotal moments, such as revolutions or social movements. For example, during the Enlightenment period, the spread of pamphlets and books contributed to a collective understanding that challenged absolute monarchy and promoted democratic ideals. This transformation in public opinion illustrated how mass communication could mobilize people by appealing to their common sense beliefs about freedom and governance, ultimately leading to significant social change.

Related terms

Media Literacy: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms, enabling individuals to critically engage with content.

Public Opinion: The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on certain issues, which can be shaped by mass communication and common sense understandings.

Critical Thinking: The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment, essential for discerning truth in mass communication.