Audience theory 1

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 as it explains how students consecutively played shooting games and whether it had a negative or positive effect on them. Questions like, do video games lead to aggression 

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 first page is a good example of the hypodermic needle theory. The use of 'Son of single mother' in the article gives a good reason why a child would hack a phone giant to help solidfy that without a male parental figure in a family it will fall apart. This article also supports that young children are being taken over by technology

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

The two-step flow model suggests we are mainly influenced by people. I think it is still relavant as we spend a lot of time watching or listening to social influencers on different social medias which may shape our actions. 

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

-His channel is based on podcasts, in which he talks about his views on certain things which other people may come to agree with because of how he explains it all so thoroughly.

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 fits the two-step flow model as Twitter is full of social influencers that many of us may be influenced by. I really do think think we are influenced by these accounts as most people spend their daily lives checking up on what these people are doing when they wake up first thing in the morning(or any time of the day) before focusing on ourselves. 

4) Read this BBC profile of Jamal Edwards. How does Jamal Edwards link to the two-step flow model?
Jamal Edwards' BBC profile links to the two-step flow model as he is on the BBC website which is a huge platform in the UK that you can voice what you have to say to a huge audience. Also the platform he works on allows young rappers to release their own music on his channel making him part of the two step flow model as his actions influence people to do their own things

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: By watching a fantasy film like Harry Potter we are purposely diverting ourselves from the real world to experience something new.

Personal Relationships: Doctor who's most recognisable Doctor David Tennanant creates a personal relationship between the audience and his chatracter because of his personality that draws us to him and his actions. All of these therefore then creates a bond between the audience and character.

Personal Identity: Coronation street fits this category as if someone like me watches it, because I am from the United Kingdom I'll feel some kind of attachment to the series as it is set and filmed where I live and I may even recognise some settings shown in it










Surveillance: BBC news fits the Surveillance category as audiences watch it when they need to be informed/educated on affairs going on in the world, helping us find out what is happening in the world at the moment.

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 think certain audiences have become dependent on media which is made evident in various ways, e.g. Instagram has introduced stories and on this you can ask your audience to ask you questions or choose an option of two which could be what should I have for dinner chicken or beef and the followers will then choose for them. This doesn't mean we can no longer make our own decisions but we are sometimes heavily influenced by what other people tell us to do.

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?

Yes I believe the growth of technology has changed peoples dependency on the media rather than themselves. This generation pretty much rely on technology to do most things older generations would have to do only by themselves with no help from technology but nowadays it is an integral part of us. I think that it is a problem as we are not getting enough time outside and socialising in real life, instead we are spending most of our time indoors and using our smart-phones especially thee younger generation. 

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? 

I don't think my media consumption has had any form of impact on my emotions as I still act the same way as I have before. Media might have affected the way I now do certain things because I now use the notepad on my phone to write down homework instead of using a planner or a notepad. I think the media has a positive impact on my health and wellbeing because seeing fitness pages on Instagram motivates me to exercise and stay as healthy as possible.