Uses and gratification theory

Question 1

What is the The Uses and Gratifications Theory

Answer 1

The theory suggests reasons why an audience responds to different media text

Question 2

Name 4 reasons as part of this theory

Answer 2

(1) Entertainment and diversion
(2) Information and education
(3) Social interaction
(4) Personal identity

Question 3

Describe reason 1 “Entertainment and diversion” mean

Answer 3

Audiences consume media texts to escape from their everyday lives. They choose entertaining texts that allow them to divert their attention from the real world, perhaps by watching a fantasy film like Harry Potter or reading a fashion magazine like Vogue.

Question 4

Describe reason 2 - Information and education

Answer 4

.Some media texts are consumed by audiences when they want to be informed and educated. Newspapers, news programmes and current affairs documentaries educate and inform. They help the audience to find out what is happening in the world.

Question 5

Describe reason 3 Social interaction

Answer 5

some media texts like im a celebrity get me out of here or the x factor provoke interaction with the audience. This sparks an immediate reaction from the audience. This gets the crowd hyped

Question 6

Describe reason 4 - personal identity

Answer 6

Relate to other people’s experiences and identify and empathise with others - soap operators, goggle box and talent shows are good exampels of this