Who was Marshall McLuhan and what was his famous phrase?

Marshall McLuhan was a renowned media theorist famous for his profound insights into the effects of new media on human perception and society. His well-known phrase "the medium is the message" encapsulates his belief that the means of communication itself significantly shapes how the message is perceived, often more than the content of the message itself. This idea emphasizes that each medium—whether it be print, television, or the internet—has distinct characteristics that influence the audience's experience and understanding. McLuhan's work foregrounded the importance of studying the techniques and technologies of media, creating a foundational understanding of media theory that encourages critical thinking about how different forms of communication impact society and human interaction.