커뮤니케이션 매체중심의 역사적 접근방법 = 매체이론의 연구경향과 시사점

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Medium theory, focusing on the intrinsic properties of medium itself, interests in the invisible communication environment which is created by the respective medium. Medium theory explains how the primary mode of communication in a society enabled and constrained the organizations of that society, and the thought and interaction of its subjects independent of message content. Medium theory suggests that each medium invites, allows, encourages, fosters some human actions while discourages others. The theory deals in general tendencies of communication pattern to be formed by dominant medium not deterministic. The perspectives of medium theory give us useful insight on medium itself that traditional media theories generally overlook. Medium theory can be evaluated as one of approaches to complement the existing researches.
Medium theory is necessarily historical and cross-cultural in its approach, contrasting different media environments across time, and tracing changes in communication patterns for their effects on the social change. Medium theory explains mainly on the communication phenomena of Western history. However as the same medium in general has technically the similar characteristics at any age or society, it also have the universality. By such characteristics of medium theory, it can apply in explaining communication history of Korean society.
Of course when historical context and particularity of specific period and society are considered, more persuasive analysis will be possible. For instance after introduction of the same modern printing, social change in Europe and communication change during Enlightenment Period in Korea have different historical meanings respectively. And also the influence by rapid diffusion of radio between 1920 and 1930 in U. S. A must be differently explained that by the rapid popularization of radio between the late 1950 and the early 1970 in Korea.
Taking these into account, medium theory can be utilized as one of useful approaches in explaining the communication phenomena in Korean history. Korean communication history should expand the research areas through various approaches and methods. In this respect the meaning of this essay is to raise a question. It is expected that in the future this theory can be proved its universality and degree of explanation ability through various researches by this approach and complemented under the historical particularity of media environment in our society.