Conceptual delimitations of direct communication, mass communication and mass media

In this paper we have tried to define the notion of communication and delimit the concepts of direct communication, mediate communication and mass media communication. Unlike usual approach, we have brought to light the economic elements of the communication process. In this respect, we have tried to show that both linguistic structure and the subsequent definitions of the communication notion contain an ample economic feature. The means of communication have always been important, whether we speak of agrarian, industrial or informational society. In the first stage, companies that provided transport services had to handle the agricultural products which were supposed to be carried to the markets or consumers. In order to carry out these services efficiently, roads were built to enable merchandise transport. During industrial age, the necessity of transport still remained crucial, but there was a slight change in products. This time energy was the main product which needed transporting. Whether we speak of the transport of coal, oil, gas or electrical power, the industry dependence on energy and, implicitly, on energy transporters is indisputable. This situation led to the building of main pipe lines for energy transport. Nowadays, informational society needs information transport. Of course, goods and energy are still being transported today, but our society will hardly do without communication main lines. In order to meet the existing needs in this respect, we witness a development of the communication infrastructure. Contemporary progress is strongly connected to network communication development. Whether we refer to internet, fiber or wireless networks, all of them transport each and every second huge amounts of information. Society, conquered by communication, discovers each passing day new elements and creative approaches through which the communication process between people can be catalyzed and maximized. In all these attempts, the communication process is only the means to achieve higher goals. These interests cause an increase in performance of the communication system. Whether we speak of local, national or global interests, the key factors for mass control are ontologically related to the communication system. This field has been explored by researchers over centuries, but not enough, because todayâ€(tm)s background and challenges are more complex than yesterdayâ€(tm)s. In the present paper we are placing ourselves somewhere between the collection of past experience and future uncertainty, marked by the passion and duty to explore. In the communication field, we are in a similar position to medical research; when we discover a treatment, we realize that new types of viruses have appeared which require new solutions. The working ground of mass media is extremely moving. Whether we speak of technology, finance, competition, interests, demand and supply or all of them, the cycle of changes happens more and more rapidly, almost stunning. The above mentioned ideas have motivated us in approaching this topic, which we invite you to study.