Audience Theory

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 article links to the hypodermic needle model because it is telling the audience that violent games increases aggressive behaviour and to emphasize that point they conducted a small experiment. This makes it seem like the information that is being injected in the audience's mind sound more real and factual. which influences the audience to think a certain way and become convinced that what they are being told is true.

2) How does coverage of the Talk Talk hacking case link to the hypodermic needle model? Why might someone criticise this front page? 

This news coverage is linked to the hypodermic needle model because it is telling the audience that the cause of negative behaviour is due to violent video games. This front page can be criticised because hacking has no relation to violent video games because hacking isn't violence. It is more of an intellectual skill than a showcase of aggressive behavior. Playing violent video games doesn't give you the ability to hack either. 

Two-step flow model

1) Summarise the two-step flow model. In your opinion, is the two-step flow theory still relevant today?

The two step flow model is information in mass media that opinion leaders use to influence a certain audience based on social factors. I think that this is still relevant today as the media has grown to become larger and more people are able to share their opinion online. Due to that, people are able to come together to agree on one thing.

2) How does this YouTube blogger fit into the two-step flow model?

This blogger would fit the Two-step flow model because he is an opinion leader on the games he plays. Many people follow him maybe because they either want to see what he thinks or they agree with what he has to say and therefore subscribe to him.

3) How does this Telegraph article on influential tweeters fit the two-step flow model?

This Telegraph article links to the theory because it is directly telling us that there are some people who are influential on twitter based on their follower count. The more followers you have, the more influential you are seen and ranked. 

4) Read this BBC profile of Jamal Edwards. How does Jamal Edwards link to the two-step flow model?

This news article on Jamal Edwards links to the theory because he is seen as an influential leader to those of working/middle class to come together as he influences them to get to the top and not give up on what they want to achieve.

Uses and Gratifications theory

1) For each of the four categories, write about one media text 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.

Diversion

Science Fiction films

Eg- Avengers

Films of this genre are usually set in very recognisable location which gives it a more realistic feel but the basis of the film is something that wouldn't happen in real life but makes it seem like it could. which gives the audience a sense of escapism.

Personal relationships

Tv Shows
Eg- The walking Dead, Arrow, Friends
Shows like these help build a relationship with the audience and a certain characters over a long period of time compared to movies. So when a character dies in a show it affects the audience more as they may have seen that character grow throughout the seasons, a recent example could be in the walking dead.  

Personal identity

Personal Identity: finding ourselves reflected in texts or learning behaviour and values from the media. Reality TV or documentary (Educating Yorkshire) are good examples.

X Factor

This would link with personal identity because i showcases people who are similar to us because they are people who live around us and may have similar experiences to us and want to become a singer which could inspire the audience to sing if they enjoy it. Also the fact that this show looks for talent all over the country could make it more enjoyable for the audience as they, at one point, get to see people from their area try to make it. which helps with identification.

Surveillance

BBC news

The BBC fits the surveillance category as it shows information such as recent local news and world news etc. Which is relevant for the daily lives of people, also, it helps keep the audiences informed of what is going on around them and in the world which is the main factor of surveillance.