Uses and gratifications theory

• What theory is relevant to GCSE and A-level Media Studies exams?

  Uses and Gratification Theory
• Who developed the Uses and Gratification Theory?

  Blumler and Katz
• What is the main purpose of the Uses and Gratification Theory?

  To explain why audiences actively choose to consume media products
• What are the primary reasons audiences might choose to consume media products according to Blumler and Katz?

  • Entertainment or escape (diversion)
  • Education or information
  • Social interaction
  • Identification or relatability
• What is one reason audiences might choose a media product for entertainment or escape?

  To take them away from their boring life
• How might watching a comedy film serve as a form of escape for an audience?

  It provides laughter and entertainment, distracting from daily life
• What type of media product might audiences choose for educational purposes?

  A factual product like a newspaper or a documentary
• How can a video game teach hand-eye coordination?

  By requiring players to interact with the game environment effectively
• What is meant by social interaction in the context of media consumption?

  Building personal relationships through media products
• How do online games like Fortnite facilitate social interaction?

  They allow players to communicate and compete with others online
• What does the term 'identification' refer to in media consumption?

  The ability of audiences to relate to characters or situations in media
• How might a teen drama resonate with a teenager experiencing bullying?

  It offers relatable experiences that evoke empathy and understanding
• Why might media products that offer relatability be popular with audiences?

  They create a sense of connection and understanding
• How can a single media product fulfill multiple gratifications according to Blumler and Katz?

  • A video game can be:
  • Entertaining
  • Educational
  • Offer social interaction
  • Provide an escape from reality
• What should you consider when analyzing media products for their gratifications?

  Whether they offer entertainment, education, social interaction, or relatability
• What is the significance of the pandemic in relation to media consumption?

  It has increased the relevance of relatable media experiences
• Who developed the Uses and Gratification Theory?

  Blumler and Katz
• What is the main purpose of the Uses and Gratification Theory?

  To explain why audiences actively choose to consume media products
• What are the primary reasons audiences might choose to consume media products according to Blumler and Katz?

  1. Entertainment or escape (diversion)
  2. Education or information
  3. Social interaction
  4. Identification or relatability
• What does the term "diversion" refer to in the context of media consumption?

  It refers to the idea of escaping from boredom or reality through entertainment
• How might someone use media for entertainment or escape?

  By watching a comedy film to laugh or an action film for excitement
• What is an example of a media product that serves educational purposes?

  A crime drama that teaches about crime detection and law enforcement
• How can video games provide educational benefits?

  By teaching hand-eye coordination or puzzle-solving skills
• What does social interaction in media consumption refer to?

  Building personal relationships or connections through media products
• How do online media products create the illusion of personal relationships?

  By making audiences feel like they are friends with vloggers or influencers
• What is meant by "identification" or "relatability" in media consumption?

  Feeling a connection with characters or situations in media that reflect one's own experiences
• How might a teenager relate to a teen drama?

  By identifying with characters facing struggles like bullying or anxiety
• Why might media products that offer relatability be popular?

  Because they create a sense of connection and understanding among audiences
• What should you consider when analyzing media products for uses and gratifications?

  • Does it offer entertainment or escape?
  • Is it informative or educational?
  • Does it provide social interaction?
  • Is it relatable or does it allow for identification?
• Can a single media product fulfill multiple gratifications according to Blumler and Katz?

  Yes, a media product can offer more than one type of gratification