Based on the analysis of the latest research, the article reveals issues related to the problems and threats of the development of digital technologies in mass communications. Proposed an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of the mass communication phenomenon and these following tasks are solved: the concept of «mass communication» is clarified, based on the concept of Denis McQueil; new challenges and threats of the mass communications impact on citizens and society; shows the need to reconcile new realities in the development of mass communications and curricula for the courses of the relevant disciplines in higher education. The research methodology is based on strategies of analysis and synthesis using comparative, historical and critical methods. It is shown that in Ukraine the concept of «mass communication» is used by scientists mainly in the singular. However, modern processes associated with digitalization and interactivity of communication have led to the plural interpretation of mass communications. An analysis of current scientific research, especially publications in the media, indicates an increase of threats and negative impacts of mass communications on citizens, public consciousness and society as a whole (elections, protest movements, use of personal data, manipulation, etc.). Mass communication has a global nature, is rapidly developing and affects all spheres of society, causing profound changes in social relations and personal. This requires constant comprehensive analysis and monitoring, which is determines the permanent correction of curricula for the preparation of future specialists, in particular, of information technologies. Programs, in our opinion, require a fast change in emphasis, highlighting threatening trends and the formation of students ability to critically assess the transformations of mass communications and contribute to social development towards achieving general harmony

communication, mass communication, social communication, theory of mass communication, digitalization, digital communication, information society