Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributed to the expansion of mass media?

The expansion of mass media has been influenced by various societal trends and changes, but decreased population density does not contribute to its growth. Higher literacy rates allow more individuals to engage with printed materials, while the expansion of democracy fosters open discourse and access to information, both of which are vital for mass media to thrive. Capitalist industrialization plays a significant role as it leads to increased production capabilities and the dissemination of media content to a wider audience. In contrast, decreased population density can limit the audience for mass media, as it often relies on a concentrated population to ensure that messages reach a critical mass of consumers. This makes it harder for media outlets to maintain profitability and audience engagement, thus hindering rather than promoting the expansion of mass media.