The telephone can be used as a means to obtain information, such as the arrival time for an airline flight. The same telephone can be used as a way to stay in contact with friends. The telephone could also be used as a means to listen to music, but the economics are such that it is far less costly to broadcast music over radio to many listeners. There are many dimensions that characterize communication media. People seek information, other people, and entertainment.
Entertainment is mostly a one-way, passive, communication activity.
Seeking information is usually a two-way, active, communication activity. Much information seeking involves other people who help guide the information seeker. In this way, e-mail can be a powerful tool to reach those people who know where the information is. Although nearly three decades old in concept, the Internet most certainly is the center of much attention and hype. Much of the confusion over the Internet is the result of the promotional efforts of entrepreneurs selling their firms to the investment community.