After studying the assigned reading The Handbook of Communication Science, Second Edition, Chapter 15: Mass Media Effects and considering one of the five categories of media effect theories mentioned in the article (learning, socialization, selective exposure, selective presentation, and perceived effects—remember, these are the categories, not the names of the theories themselves), identify one of the theories listed in the reading and answer the following questions or prompts.

A) Does media directly influence individuals? Explain your answer

B) Which of the mass communication theories do you feel most accurately portrays your media experiences? Why? Be sure to provide an example that supports your opinion.

C) How involved should the government be in protecting us from media effects? Where do you draw the line between free speech and indecency? Is censorship ever warranted? 

Support your responses with research from the Learning Resources. Use APA in-text citations where necessary and cite any outside sources. Create an APA reference list at the end of the document.

Submit your responses in the file submission area for this assignment. If you choose to “add a file” by attaching an MS Word or PDF document, please also copy and paste your response into the comments area.