Audience theory 1: blog tasks

Hypodermic needle model

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

-The article shows that children are easily influenced by the people around them and also they media around them. Children take in the action and behaviour they see quickly, this could cause them to become more aggressive and mentally unstable.

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? 

-That a young child can be easily influenced by the media and what they consume will shape the type of person they are and how in the future their behaviour will be influenced b the type of video games they play. On the other hand if another child was playing a family and child friendly game they would grow up being more friendly and not more aggressive unlike this 15 year old.

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

-I believe that the theory is only correct to a certain extent. People also have their own opinions about what the media is showing then as well as just plainly and naively believe what the media puts in front of audiences. Therefore, I think that the theory is only true half of the time.

Two-step flow model

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

-Audiences can consume media easily and unthinkably, as well as just plainly accepting what media wants the audiences to take from a text. Audiences are also easily influenced by opinion leaders(they people who put out media, also audience can be influenced by famous people and celebrities.

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

-Zendaya is a well known and loved celebrity, and this would influence her fans into liking the things she likes or purchasing the things she like, or having the same opinions as her about certain topics.

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

-Yes, it has increased in its relevance as influencers have more control of societies opinions and thoughts.

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: Modern family. The family makes audiences to create an emotional attachment to the characters within the show. 

Personal Identity: Educating Yorkshire

Surveillance: BBC News

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, because the media is there for audiences to consume everyday.The media is a way for people to know what is happening in the world but to also entertain them.

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?

-Yes i believe it is a new and bigger problem,as in the last 15 years people have become more dependent on the media to know information such as their daily check on the news.

3) Reflecting on your own media use, how does your media consumption impact your emotions? Does the media have an overall positive or negative impact on your health and well being? Why?

-I think the media affects me in a bad way sometimes,when I see bad things happening in the world that are on the news it takes a toll on my mental well being. However at the same time if I see good things in the media it will make me happy.So really it depends on what side of the media I am on and how it will affect me.