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? this links to the hypodermic needle as it suggests that consuming violent content inertly changes our world view over time neglecting free will.

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 links to it as referencing the games the child consumes leads the viewers to believe its also a cause for his crimes. 

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

I believe that media does have the potential to impact some of its audiences into believing what they see but humans are complex and aren't just sponges that absorb whatever they're given a layer of choice and responsibility lies on them to rectify what is and isn't true for themselves.

Two-step flow model

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

suggests the audience are influenced by ‘opinion leaders’ in the media who mediate how the audience react 

2) How do celebrities like Taylor Swift fit into the two-step flow model? This model suggests that there are role models within the media that help  guide how viewers react Taylor swift would be a prime example as some of her followers may warp their perception of others in order follow her  opinions 

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

I would say this is definitely true as you have fans of certain groups attacking others online for disagreeing with their opinions 

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: Book - history is all you left me. Painful depiction of loosing a lover and the guilt that comes from that 

Personal Identity:  show - Never have I ever. High school freshman tries to find herself whilst still grieving the recent loss of her father

Surveillance: news - informative about what's going on within the country the audience resides in

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?

This is true due to just the sheer power we hold in being able to access media and the amount of choice over what we have to consume its too much which is exactly how it was designed to be  for example tiktok which was made in order to keep you watching back in 2021 I believe there was talk of America banning tiktok and the American side of the platform was fearful and in uproar over it.

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?

this is a new problem but also very helpful as it allows people to be able to access needed information for example i could learn sign language or how to code in about 5 seconds by searching it up so in this way if used productively has the potential to be really beneficial to a persons life  however it also comes with a lot of dangerous negatives for example the nth room case that was going on within south Korea as of recent and so it has the potential to do great harm

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 screen time and how does this impact on your mood?

I'm unsure of my average screen time however I like to say that my media consumption has a miniscule impact on my emotions or health and well being its just entertainment within the moment that I'm confident I can separate from real life