Audience Theory 1: blog task

 1) Read this Mail Online article about the effects of videogames. How does this article link to the hypodermic needle model?

    The hypodermic needle model suggests that media injects information into the audience which will have a dangerous effect on us. This article is suggesting that playing violent videogames can encourage aggressive behaviour and make them view the world as hostile.

2) How does coverage of the Talk Talk hacking case (see Daily Mail front page below) link to the hypodermic needle model? Why might someone criticise this front page? 

This shows how the media we consume can have a negative effect on us.

3) What do you think of the hypodermic needle theory? Do audiences believe everything they see in the media?

I think that the hypodermic needle theory applies sometimes as some people do believe everything they see in the media however, some people know better than that as not everything you see in the media is true. The hypodermic needle theory has become slightly obsolete because the media tends to spew nonsense recently which most people don't believe.

Two-step flow model

1) Summarise the two-step flow model. What is an opinion leader?

The two step flow model suggests that a person rather than the media influences people.

2) How do influencers like Zendaya fit into the two-step flow model? 

Zendaya influences a lot of people can be seen as an 'opinion leader' as she is a fashion icon as well as an actress.

3) In your opinion, is the two-step flow theory still relevant today?

Yes, most people, in this day and age are influenced by celebrities on social media.

Uses and Gratifications theory

1) For each of the four categories, write about one media text (e.g. film, TV programme, newspaper etc.) that fits that particular audience use or pleasure. Make sure you explain WHY it fits the category and use images or clips to illustrate your points. The first one is done for you.

Diversion: Film - Blinded By The Light. Entertaining and offering escapism for fans of Bruce Springsteen or anyone that enjoys coming of age films or culture-clash comedies.

Personal Relationships: Will Smith in the fresh prince- Viewers develop a parasocial relationship with him. Perhaps feeling as if they have a personal relationship despite having no interaction with them in real life.

Personal Identity: Black Panther- Resonate with some of the characters, especially because of the culture.

Surveillance: The weather app to determine what to wear for the day.

Dependency theory

1) Do you agree that audiences have become dependent on the media? What evidence or examples can you provide to support your view? 

 Yes. I fully agree as nowadays, people use social media specifically to determine their opinions. It's almost as if they've become indoctrinated by it and can't think for themselves.

2) How has the growth of new and digital technology in the last 15 years changed people's dependency on the media? Is this a new problem?  Technology has become more advanced and a lot more accessible which has made lots of people dependent on the media. I think it could be a problem if people are mindlessly consuming media.

3) Reflecting on your own media use, how does your media consumption impact on your emotions? Does the media have an overall positive or negative impact on your health and wellbeing? Why? I think for me, the media such as the news  can have a negative impact on my emotions as the news is biased and tends to disregard certain minorities such as when Sky news "mistook" the  Chris Kaba march as a tribute to the Queen. It truly shows how ignorant they could be to situations that regards POC.