Relationship with Audience

Question 1

In a nutshell

Answer 1

Some sociologists suggest that consumers are passive when using and interpreting the media. For instance, the hypodermic syringe model suggests the media have the ability to inject media texts into the veins of audiences. However, some sociologists believe consumers are passive when using and interpreting the media because they have freedom and choice in what they want to consume, and can reject messages they do not agree with. Neo-Marxists reflect upon the encoding and decoding of media texts, and suggest that the dominant hegemonic viewpoint is accepted by most audiences. The relationship with the media also explores the uses and gratifications model, which implies people use the media for a variety of interests and needs.

Question 2

active audiences (1/2)

TWO-STEP FLOW MODEL

Answer 2

Katz and Lazarsfeld found media audiences are not directly affected by the media. Instead, audiences adopt a certain opinion after discussion with a group leader - therefore, the group leader is exposed to the content, and those who respect the leader internalise the interpretation of content.

Question 3

USES AND GRATIFICATIONS MODEL

Blumer & McQuail

Answer 3

Blumer & McQuail suggest people use the media actively to fulfil their own personal needs, which is dependent on class, age, gender, etc. The ways individuals use the media includes:

Diversion, personal identity, personal relationships and surveillance

Question 4

active audiences (2/2)

SELECTIVE FILTER MODEL

Answer 4

An interpretivist approach by Klapper who suggests there are 3 filters people apply when interpreting the media:

Selective exposure - people choose what they want to expose themselves to in the media.
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Selective perception - people may choose to accept or reject a media message depending on whether or not it fits in with their own views.
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Selective retention - people will forget material that is not in line with their views and interests, and only remember media messages that reflect their interests.

Question 5

PASSIVE audiences

HYPODERMIC SYRINGE MODEL

Answer 5

The media acts like a syringe in which it injects messages, attitudes and beliefs into its audience. The audience are passive and powerless, therefore unwillingly accept these messages.

Question 6

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CULTURAL EFFECTS MODEL

Answer 6

A marxist model of thought by GMG that believes the media transmits capitalist norms and values through a slow drip drip effect over a long period of time. Media content contains ideological messages that reflect those who own the media (white,middle class, men). Most people end up accepting the preferred way of reading.

Question 7

violence in the media

Answer 7

The media is often blamed for causing crime in society. There have been numerous moral panics surrounding the issue of the effects of violent video games, TV shows, movies and song lyrics.

Question 8

Effects of violence in the media:

Answer 8

Imitation - exposure to media violence causes children to copy what they see and be more violent in the real world.
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Catharsis - media violence does not make viewers more aggressive, but instead reduces violence as it allows individuals to live out their violent tendencies in the fantasy world.
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Desensitisation - repeated exposure to media violence has gradual ‘drip-drip’ long-term effects, socialising audiences into accepting a culture of violence.
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Sensitisation - exposure to media violence can make people more sensitive to the consequences of it in real life.