A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What term describes societies that are heavily surrounded by media and information?

1. Industrial societies

2. Postmodern societies

3. Traditional societies

4. Pre-modern societies

The correct answer is: Postmodern societies

The term that best describes societies that are heavily surrounded by media and information is "postmodern societies." Postmodernism is characterized by the saturation of media and the blending of cultural, social, and technological influences, leading to a diverse range of information flows and experiences. In such societies, individuals are often exposed to a multitude of viewpoints and forms of communication, including digital media, television, and social networks, which shape their understanding of reality. This contrasts with industrial societies, which, while advanced in their production and economic structures, may not exhibit the same level of media saturation or focus on information diversity. Traditional and pre-modern societies are generally characterized by less exposure to media and information, relying more on oral traditions and localized knowledge rather than the pervasive influence of global media networks. This makes postmodern societies uniquely defined by their relationship with media and information.