MEDIA AND MODERNITY: THE ROLE OF THE PRINTING PRESS IN THE MODERNIZATION OF WESTERN SOCIETY

Abstract

One of the influential factors in the formation of modern society in the Western world and subsequently spread to over the world has been the discovery of printing press which can be found in the form of printing method, printing company and print media. Since it was firstly used by Gutenberg in about 15th century AD, information which was previously delivered through oral medium with a limited audience, then through a method of printing can be reproduced in large quantities and can be read by more audience, across distance and time. Printing method which encourages the emergence of large printing companies and then print media has contributed in transforming modern cultural life of society. In addition, the advent of the printing industries which has transformed into transnational corporations as well as the emergence of journals and regular newspapers also contributes significantly in raising public spaces as a medium for discussion and critical thinking amidst society. Ultimately, this information media transformation brings a change in the state system which is more open and leads to the emergence of ideas of nationalism which becomes an important milestone in transforming traditional societies into modern societies.

Keywords

• printing press
• media
• modernization
• modern society
• communication technology