Audience effects theory

1) Write a definition of a passive audience: 

This is the view that audiences passively take in information from the media and that these messages have the same effect on everyone.

2) Write a definition of an active audience: 

This is the more modern and generally accepted view that audiences interact with and make conscious choices regarding the media they consume.

3) Write a definition of the hypodermic needle theory: 

This is the suggestion that audiences are always passive and therefore take the intended message from the producer as if it was injected into their minds. This assumes no individual difference in audience members. 

4) Write down a media product (e.g. TV show, newspaper or videogame) for each category of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory and WHY it fits that particular audience use/gratification. The first one is done for you: 

INFORMATION/SURVEILLANCE: BBC news

 > Why: It tells audiences important information about politics, the world and more.

PERSONAL IDENTITY: Stranger things

 > Why: People may relate and develop personal relationships with those shown on screen. e.g. high-school students

DIVERSION/ENTERTAINMENT: Squid games

 > Why: Squid games can be used as escapism as its dramatic and easy to immerse yourself into it.

RELATIONSHIPS: Love Island

 > Why: Its a reality TV show, people grow close to the characters the more they watch, causing people to want to watch more of the said series/show.

5) Re-watch the clip from Blue Planet above and write a paragraph analysing how elements of the clip offer the audience pleasures or gratifications (use media terminology from Uses and Gratifications theory and the 3 Vs - notes outlined above). 

> Blue planet shares information/surveillance as its an educational program where you may learn about sea creature while watching them in their natural habitats. It also shows identity because people who may want to become a marine biologist could watch this and admire their possible future. Blue planet may also be used as escapism since its a calming show and create a relaxing atmosphere for yourself. However, it also gives off visceral pleasure since some of the animals shown are scary and may frighten you, causing your hairs to stand up. Vicarious pleasure since the animals are so peaceful and some people may want to live in that peaceful setting. Voyeuristic pleasure since the cameras are hidden secretively so we can watch the animals in their natural state.