AUDIENCE THEORY

 Hypodermic Needle Theory

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

- Violent video games has a positive correlation to the amount of  aggression we show. It also explains that it can be dangerous as it may influence people to act the same way.

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? 

It links to hypodermic needle model because it explains that playing violent video games for a long time influenced his behaviour to match them. This may be criticised because it could be said that this was the reason for and the result for his behaviour.

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

- I don’t think the hypodermic needle theory is too accurate. This is because i believe that people that watch films will have to sense to figure out what is real/ believable or what isn’t. However, i think this could be an accurate theory for younger people since their minds are still young so they would easily believe things.

Two Step Flow Model

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

- Two step flow model is where opinion leaders are the one who influence the audience.

- Opinion leaders are the ones who create the opinions in the media that they want the audience to believe.

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

- Since Zendaya has a large following on social media, the audience for the content she makes such as young people, will be more influenced by her as they will want to follower her steps to be like her.

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

- I think the two step flow model is relevant today because many people are still influenced by many things they see on the internet.

Use 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: Titanic. A movie about two characters who fall in love on a ship however it sinks afterwards.

Personal Identity: Waterloo Road. It shows us the lives of students at secondary school and their outside lives. As young people we can relate to this.

Surveillance: BBC News. News outlet that lets us know about the events going on around the world.

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 people have become reliant on social media as it has become a place where they can access information.

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 because technology isn’t that old and has already become a big part of people’s lives and they are increasingly becoming more and more dependant on it.

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?

- Media consumption doesn't have an impact on my emotions as it doesn’t really affect me. Media does not have a negative impact on my health and well-being as it doesn’t stop me from doing things that would impact this.