Audience Theory 1

 

Hypodermic needle model

1) Read this Mail Online article about the effects of videogames. How does this article link to the hypodermic needle model?
People are going to believe what the article says but in reality it isn't all true.


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? 

People may literally believe the fact the hacker paralysed the other person however it doesn't literally mean that. This therefore links as people just digest media without really thinking about it properly. 

People will criticise this as its misleading and untruthful.

3) What do you think of the hypodermic needle theory? Do audiences believe everything they see in the media?
I think some more stupid people will believe everything on the media. however some with more common sense wont believe everything. However some things are misleading therefore people might believe certain things.

Two-step flow model

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

Assumes the audience consumed media without thinking. 

Opinion leaders are people who mediate how the audience react to media texts.

2) How do celebrities like Taylor Swift fit into the two-step flow model? 

Because she's a celebrity people will idolise her without really thinking about her actual opinions and personality and will only really think about her music. So her running for presidency will make fans vote for her because she's their idol however they won't put much thought into what improvements she'd actually do to the country.

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

I think it somewhat is as some people don't have much common sense and consume media without really thinking about what it actually means or stands for.


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: Film - To All The Boys I've Loved Before - May watch this because you find the actors attractive or are going through a relationship/breakup and want to feel the same way.

Personal Identity: Magazine - Vogue - You may be creative or into fashion or modelling so you'll want the vogue magazine.

Surveillance: App - Weather app - People will want to find out the weather for the day or upcoming days so will use the weather app.

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,

Examples:

• weather app - to find out the weather
• online news - to see what is going on in the world
• social media - to keep up with influencers
• newspapers - same as online news

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?
People are more dependent on online news and stories however they're not all true which means there's a lot of fake news

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? What is your average screentime and how does this impact on your mood?

Media like TikTok gives me entertainment when I'm bored. 

Depending on what I'm seeing online it sometimes impacts my mood.

My average screen time is about 6-7hours a day but it doesn't really impact my mood.