MIGRAIN: Audience theory 1

MIGRAIN: 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?
According to the hypodermic needle idea, the media pushes information into the audience and might have a negative impact on us. According to this report, playing a violent video games every day might enhance aggressive behaviour. 
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? 

The daily mail portrays the fact that the young boy who has an addiction to a violent game is the responsibility of the media because if the boy commits a crime the parents are not blamed as the media and the internet has a bigger impact than.

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

This depends on what the media is showing, audiences have their own choices and are aware of what's right and wrong. They are not naïve to believe everything that is shown by the media however it does influence them overall changing how they might behave and think.

Two-step flow model

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

The two-step flow model instead suggests the audience are influenced by ‘opinion leaders’ in the media who mediate how the audience react to media texts. The theory suggests the media is not all-powerful and that social factors are important.

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

Zendaya is a well known popular celebrity and actress who has an massive influence over the social media platform as she has a huge fan bass.  Zendaya does a lot of modelling for perfumes and clothing's to attract her fans and to convince them to buy it

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

The two-step flow theory is still relevant today because influences and celebrities have a massive impact on what we see on the media. They impact peoples lifestyles and the way they look and many more.

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 -  MATILDA  Feeling sympathy for the little girl and and having an emotional connection.

Personal Identity:  TV show-  Never have I ever Seeing a brown person as the main character makes me reflect and connect with the narrative much better. 

Surveillance: TV programme - BBC news Updates us on the weather and the 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?

The audience relies on the media a lot! As audiences we cant live without social media apps like Tiktok Youtube and many more. These apps not only entertain us but it educates the audience on the news around the world and things we wont be taught at school. 

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?

The growth of new technology means that people are more connected though the media than in person. In my opinion there is less communication in the real world than through the media. Every singe person on a train or bus is constantly looking at their phones this shows how much we relies on it to update us on everything .