We recommend;

1.Uses and Gratifications2.Male Gaze3.Post Modernism4.Todorov5.Propp6. Cultivation theory

Along with quotes and references and answering the question contained within your title your investigation must demonstrate you can apply relevant theory to your topic

Uses and Gratifications Model

This model stems from the idea that audiences are a complex mixture of individuals who select media texts that best suits their needs. According to the theory the audience have to be active.

The model suggests that media audiences make active decisions about what they consume in relation to their social and cultural setting and their needs.

This was summed up by theorists Blumier and Katz in 1974;‘Media usage can be explained in that it provides gratifications (meaning it satisfies needs) related to the satisfaction of social and psychological needs’.

Put simply this means that audiences choose to watch texts that make them feel good (gratifications) e.g. soaps and sitcoms, or that give them information that they can use (uses) e.g. news or information about new products or the world about them.

Blumier and Katz (1975) went into greater detail and identified four main uses:

Personal identity – our need to define our identity and sense of self. Part of our sense of self is informed by making judgments about all sorts of people and things. This is also true of judgments we make about TV and film characters, and celebrities. Our choice of music, the shows we watch, the stars we like can be an expression of our identities. One aspect of this type of gratification is known as value reinforcement. This is where we choose television programmes or newspapers that have similar beliefs to those we hold.

Information – our need to know what is going on in the world. This relates to Maslow’s need for security. By keeping up to date with news about local and international events we feel we have the knowledge to avoid or deal with dangers.

Entertainment – the need for escape, entertainment and relaxation. All types of television programmes can be ‘used’ to wind down and offer diversion, as well as satisfying some of the other needs at the same time.

Social– our need for to interact with other people. This is provided by forming virtual relationships with characters in soaps, films and all kinds of drama, and other programmes and other media texts.

Audience theoryUses and Gratifications Model

This audience theory model justifies why people spend their time engaging with certain types of Media. This is classified into 4 categories, Information, Personal

Identity, Integration and Social Interaction, Entertainment,

Information E1)Finding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world E2) Seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and decision choicesE3) Satisfying curiosity and general interestE4) Learning; self-education gaining a sense of security through knowledge

Personal IdentityE1) Finding reinforcement for personal valuesE2) Finding models of behaviourE3) Gaining insight into one's selfE4) Identifying with already gained values

Audience theoryUses and Gratifications Model

This audience theory model justifies why people spend their time engaging with certain types of Media. This is classified into 4 categories, Information, Personal

Identity, Integration and Social Interaction, Entertainment,

Integration and Social Interaction E1) Gaining insight into circumstances of others; social empathyE2) Identifying with others and gaining a sense of belongingE3) Finding a basis for conversation and social interactionE4) Having a substitute for real-life companionshipE5) Helping to carry out social rolesE6) Enabling one to connect with family, friends and society

EntertainmentE1) Escaping, or being diverted, from problemsE2) RelaxingE3) Getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoymentE4) FIlling timeE5) Emotional releaseE6) Sexual arousal

Task

• Choose two of your favorite films• Choose two of your favorite television shows• Choose the two websites your view the most

• Simply explain in structured sentences why you believe you choose to watch them, what do you get from them? What in your brain tells you this is having a positive effect on your life. It does not matter if this is in a tiny way or a huge way write them down. Be brutally honest!!!!!

Part 1

Part 2

Task

Would your essay and case studies accommodate the uses and gratifications theory? Would it help answer your question? Try and apply the theory to your 2 texts and question.