We live in a world where mass communication and personal communication are no longer separate. The term masspersonal communication, introduced by O’Sullivan, explains how platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter blur the line between broadcasting to the masses and speaking directly to someone.

In the cartoon, a group of people are sitting together at dinner, but no one is truly present. One man is smiling at his phone, completely absorbed. A woman in the middle sarcastically asks, “I can never remember. Does the cellphone go on the right or the left?” while the person next to her is on a call, barely paying attention. This image highlights how social gatherings are often interrupted by digital distractions. It reflects the concept of mass personal communication. We’re physically together but mentally elsewhere.

I see this in my life all the time. My friends and I will hang out, but instead of talking, we’ll send each other TikToks or DM each other memes even if we’re in the same room. We’re communicating, but through screens. At the same time, I stay connected with family across the country through Instagram stories and comments. That’s masspersonal communication, personal messages shared on public platforms, with both private and mass-level interactions happening at once. Mass communication has evolved into something deeply integrated into our social and emotional lives and I honestly can’t imagine a day without it.