Difference Between Media and Medium

媒体与媒介

Media and medium are two words that confuse many people as they cannot make up their mind as to which of the two words is to be used in a particular context. There are many who think the two words are the same and can be used interchangeably. There is no doubt about the fact that media is a plural form of the word medium, and we must make use of media when we are talking about several mediums. However, this is not all as there are differences in usage that will be highlighted in this article.

Medium

We often hear the word medium in our daily lives as in medium of instruction or in medium of cooking. What we mean in these examples is the language in which instruction or education is going to be imparted, and the type oil used to cook or prepare recipes.

In the world of information, medium is a thing like a newspaper, TV, or radio that allows for dissemination of information. Thus, magazine, newspaper, television etc. are all examples of medium.

Media

Media is the plural of medium, but in real life, the word media is used for TV channels, different newspapers, or even a group of reporters or correspondents covering an event for radio or television channel. This use of the word media is colloquial in nature and not correct, but it has become so common that ‘has media arrived?’ and ‘media is answerable for all the mess’ are uttering we hear frequently.

In general, ‘media’ is a term that has become synonymous with mass media, and the images of photographers flashing their cameras and reporters asking questions with their microphones in front strike our minds whenever we hear the word media.

What is the difference between Media and Medium?

• Media is the plural of medium and is used in place of mediums.

• Television is regarded as a medium of instruction while many TV channels collectively are referred to as media.

• Media in general has become synonymous with mass media.

• Canvas is the medium through which artists express their creativity but the same artists make use of media to become famous.

• Radio and TV are collectively called electronic media and not electronic mediums.