Audience theory: 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?

This article links closely to the hypodermic needle model because its studying the effects of violent and non-violent video games on participants health and social awareness to society. It links to the 1920s crude hypodermic theory because its suggesting that the media yound people are consuming is injecting and having effects on their lifestyle.


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? 

This case links to the hypodermic theory because its saying how this boys addiction is caused due to his antisocial behaviour due to the video games and media he's consuming which is leading to dangerous effects. Which to some extent has truth but it suggesting that this boy and family is at fault and was manipulated. Some may critise this front page because it's leading a story which defams the family in a light of vulnerability and suggesting that the young boy is all at fault and suggesting the audience won't look into what really caused the problem. 

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 model is a theory which was made in order to re-shape the hypodermic needle theory as it was seen as too simplistic. Which is basically a theory what suggest people aren't influenced by the media entirely but by those of portray their ideas about the media. Those people are called 'opinion leaders' these people that influence others and shape their views of the media onto others. 

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

This YouTube blogger fits the two-step flow model as he's seen as subverting the socially constructed norm for men as his channel has 4 million subscribers which suggests he's seen as the opinion leader and is well spoken on and educated about many factors which means he influences people to buy makeup or use products he's a fond of. 

3) How this this Telegraph feature on Britain's most popular tweeters fit the two-step flow model? Do you think these accounts genuinely have an influence over their audience?

This 'Telegraph' story fits the two~step flow model because it contains elements of social influencers and big named stars having an influence on people's status by their 'tweeting' or social accounts. This means they have an interest to people and how their audience react to their content on various platforms. I personally believe that yes these people do have an influence over their audience because they've built such a supported empire that anything they do will generate reaction. This kind of power is dangerous to some extent but beneficial too. 

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

This 'BBC' story fits the two~step flow model because it tells a story about a young successful man Jamal Edwards coming from a completely different background to where he is now and making it big in such a competitive industry. This fits the theory because it contains the element that media to an extent isn't powerful but that their are social factors that at large which means that his story has an effect on people. His story was published and read through a media platform but his words and story is what moved people and made them think and become influenced by his determination. 

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: Frozen this is because its a animated film with elements of comedy and fanasty for children or anyone watching it as its an escape from reality. 

Personal Relationships: watching friends or murder mystery because Jennifer Aniston is those films and she's a great actress. 

Personal Identity:  watching Waterloo Road because I identify with some of the characters as its about life and the hardships of being a teen in school. 

Surveillance:  watching national geographic as it helps enhance my knowledge about a certain subject such as developing my skills on worldwide culture and surroundings. 

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 I personally believe that we've become more dependent on the media as a way to escape from our lives and explore vicariously through others. An example would be myself as my screen time on my phone is exactly 5 hours 48 minutes. This is because I spend way too much watching shows but only I also learn new things and understand media in more depth. This means I can explore through various platforms and understand different opinions. However, in other terms as audiences we've become dependent on media because its the only updated version of reality and more easier to access now. 

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 and digital media has drastically changed people's idea of media and their dependency thickens. This is because nowadays everyone has access and links to any information they want so if you don't know about the latest trend is or have heard to the new app then you're missing out. This is because we've become so attached to this idea that 'if they're able to do it then so can i' which to an extent is great philosophy to believe in but it has it's toxic traits too such as the context its being used in. This means that the dangers that lure with media dependency can affect you mentally and can cause distress among others. An example would be the 'blue whale' trend which essentially was a game which young teens played with harmless effects but then turned dark when the instruction become twisted and caused so much distress and fear that people played for the rollorcoaster effect not contemplating on the harm it caused. This game sadly was linked to about 130 deaths which was one of reasons why this game generated lots of publicity. 

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?

As in terms for my media consumption I would it has an impact was I'm regularly interacting with various forms of media to enhance my knowledge but overall I would would the negative and positive balance would change regularly due to the form I would consuming it in. The positive for the media I consume would be the new experiences I learn and to able to connect with various people and have contact with people and platforms I admire. On the contrary, the negative would the influx of ideal standards and fixed opinions it has to offer. This means the content many social platforms have to offer which can affect people like myself mentally as too much can hurt your wellbeing as things posted can seem real and depressing which would make you re~think your self-esteem.