Uses and Gratifications Theory

Uses and Gratifications theory

This provides the use of media based on the physiological needs of an individual. The consumer and the audience uses or buys the media product for their own gratification.

Based in 4 main reasons of why the audience may want to consume the media text:

Cultural Transmission

Entertainment

Correlation

Surveillance

In 1974 Researchers Blulmer and Katz published an updated version of these reasons based on why we would use a piece of media text.

Diversion - Escape form everyday routine

Personal Relationships - using media as emotional / intellectual interactions

Personal Identity - finding yourself reflected in texts

Surveillance - using media text to gain information that is useful for living

As time and technology has changed and expanded so have these reasons, particularly with new technologies such as Video Games and the internet.

http://www.mediaknowall.com/as_alevel/alevkeyconcepts/alevelkeycon.php?pageID=audience