The audience (media consumer) in the context of contemporary mass communicationenvironment is an active audience who judiciously engages with the media in a symbioticfashion. Write a critical analysis of the statement with the help of an example from conventionaland new media forms.

The statement posits that in the current mass communication environment, the audience or media consumer is not a passive recipient of information but an active participant who engages with the media in a mutually beneficial relationship. This is a shift from the traditional understanding of the audience as a passive entity, merely absorbing the information disseminated by the media.

In conventional media forms, such as television and radio, the audience's role was largely passive. They consumed the content that was broadcasted without much opportunity for interaction or feedback. For instance, a viewer watching a news broadcast on television could not directly engage with the content. They could only receive the information and perhaps discuss it with their immediate social circle.

However, with the advent of new media forms, especially social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the audience's role has significantly transformed. These platforms allow users to not only consume content but also to create, share, and react to it. For example, a user on Twitter can read a news article, share it with their followers, comment on it, and even engage in a discussion with others, including the original poster. This is a clear demonstration of the active audience concept.

Moreover, the symbiotic relationship between the media and the audience is more evident in new media forms. The media relies on the audience for content generation and dissemination, while the audience relies on the media for information, entertainment, and a platform for expression. This mutual dependence creates a dynamic and interactive communication environment.

However, it's important to critically analyze this shift. While the active audience concept empowers the audience, it also raises concerns about information overload, the spread of misinformation, and the blurring of lines between credible journalism and user-generated content.

In conclusion, the contemporary mass communication environment has indeed transformed the audience from passive consumers to active participants. However, this transformation is a double-edged sword that brings both opportunities and challenges.