K: Why do audiences consume media?
U: How the Uses and Gratification theory links to audiences' needs and wants.
BAT: Write your own interpretation of the uses and gratifications theory linking it to a range of media products.
CO: Use media terminology in your written analysis and interpretations.
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Create a new post in your blog and title it: Media Theory - Uses and Gratification - Blumler and Katz
KEY INFO 1 - READ, COPY and PASTE this information below in your new blog post.
The Uses and Gratification model is a theory that states that audiences consume media products because they have to satisfy needs:
Goals of Media
Audiences listen/watch/read/use media because they want/need...
The Uses and Gratification model is a theory that states that audiences consume media products because they have to satisfy needs:
Goals of Media
Audiences listen/watch/read/use media because they want/need...
- To be informed or educated.
- To be entertained.
- To develop social interaction with others (interact with other fans).
- To feel connected with the situations and characters emotionally.
- To escape from real life situations.
EXAMPLES OF USES AND GRATIFICATION THEORY
In situations like watching movies and listening to the music of your own choice, this theory is applicable. People choose from their own choices and moods. The needs of the particular person are met through the media used.
Some people might watch news for information, some for entertainment, and some for self-reassurance. Some watch according to their moods. There are various needs which gets fulfilled by the media.
Similarly, internet and mobile phones have become a source of media that tries to fulfil not only the mass communication needs, but also interpersonal needs like interaction and emotional involvement. People can use internet, text, call, talk with photos or with videos. It is portable and accessible. It has come to be useful for many and serve many purposes.
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TASK 1 - WHY DO YOU WATCH/READ/LISTEN/USE MEDIA PRODUCTS?
This theory also states that audiences consume media products that are connected to their identity... even states that audiences consume media because they aspire to be someone else!
Which social media apps do you use? Why?
Are you 'the same person' in all of your social media?
Are you 'the same person' in social media that you are in real life?
Write your own definition of the Uses and Gratification theory in your blog post. You may use the internet to find out what each of the uses and gratifications mean.
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TASK 2 - LINK THE USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORY TO A RANGE OF MEDIA PRODUCTS.
Look at the following logos of media products and link the uses and gratifications to them... explain your choices and decisions.
CREATE A PRESENTATION IN WHICH YOU LINK USES AND GRATIFICATIONS TO ALL OF THESE... EXPLAIN WHY YOU'VE LINKED YOUR CHOSEN U&G TO EACH PRODUCT.
YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO LINK AT LEAST 2 USES AND GRATIFICATIONS TO EACH PRODUCT.
NOTE: If you're not familiar with these texts/media products then you will need to research them so you could undertake the task successfully.
I MADE THE EXAMPLE BELOW USING POPPLET, BUT YOU CAN USE PADLET OR ANOTHER PRESENTATION SOFTWARE... OR YOU COULD SIMPLY WRITE IT IN YOUR BLOG.
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AT THE END OF THE LESSON:
- Why do you think it's important for media producers to study the Uses and Gratification's Theory?
