Are you a new communication technology optimist or a new technology pessimist? Do you think the rapid and sometimes amazing advances we are seeing in how we can interact with one another and our environments will produce a more humane culture or one that leaves us separated and isolated? Support your answer, using evidence from your current media use if you can. 3. Maybe the market should direct the social and cultural change that follows advances in communication technology. Maybe the government should, but what of the public? Media literacy advocates believe that people-if they are sufficiently media literate-will do the best job. After all, their lives and their worlds will be affected. Do you think this view of people's willingness and ability to actively participate in the mass communication process is too optimistic? Defend your answer, using examples from your own media use if you can. 4. Why did early media research primarily focused on explaining and controlling the effects of media rather than on cataloging routine media uses and gratifications. Was this focus appropriate? What purpose can be served by looking at media uses and gratifications?