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?

It proves to the fact that the video games create a negative impact to those who play and harms many others by the outbreaks that occur from it.

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 shows how children at a very young age are easily influenced to propose such violent actions without acknowledging the consequences of their action and how those consequences can have  large impact on others. 'Son of a single mother' can imply that its the mother's fault and because he has no male figure in his life, that is why he addicted to the game in the first place.

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

I believe that even though the media doesn't have the goal of creating a dangerous effect on the audience, any media product can relate to it being harmful .For example, models and celebrities posting about their lean figures can cause young girls to starve themselves in order to look a certain way even if that was not the intention in the first place.

Two-step flow model

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

The two-step flow model  suggests the audience are influenced by ‘opinion leaders’ in the media who mediate how the audience react to media texts. Opinions leaders can be specified as broadcasters, influencers and celebrities.

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

Zendaya is known for her feminist enterprise, advocating the black lives matter movement. This creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere on the audience since it educates them to do the same and influences to look further into key events happening around the world.

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

I believe it is still relevant since the media industry has expanded a lot over the years, labelling it the most powerful way to spread a message all over the world.

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: Ant and Dec. Loved by all British watchers.

Personal Identity: Educating Yorkshire. Presents different values and customs in the show.

Surveillance: Weather. Quick access and know the type of clothing to wear beforehand depending on the weather.

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?

I believe in some ways it has. For example, influencers such as Andrew Tate have infested their own opinions out for the world to see and for young children mainly boys to have the same ideology causing massive controversy between the genders.

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?

Phones being given to the younger generation at a young age has impacted on how they constructed their own values and beliefs which in a way can cause major setback in how society has developed over the years.

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?

If my media consumption consists of anything related to mental health it can cause me to really think about my own, questioning if I am in the right mindset when acting on my own actions which makes me rethink all the things I have done in the past and whether it was a positive or a negative choice.