Audience Theory

Uses and Gratifications Theory - Own Research
I researched the different reasons why people use the media. They split into the sections of information, personal identity, integration and social interaction and entertainment.
Personal examples of the above things:
Information
For example, I watch the news to gain knowledge and so I am aware of what is going on in society and in the local area specifically.

Personal Identity
I watch TV programmes about students and 'freshers', as I can identify with these people and their character and behaviour, as they are of a similar age and I am in a similar situation to them, therefore I am intrigued and interested in their lives, as I can compare it to mine.

 Integration and Social Interaction
I watch programmes such as Gogglebox, as my whole family enjoy the show, therefore it is a basis for spending time together and connecting. Also, I watch shows such as I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, as I know that my friends watch it, therefore we are able to form a conversation about it at college the next day, to discuss what happened and our opinions on the events.
Entertainment

To escape or relax, I watch reality TV shows such as Real Housewives and Made in Chelsea, as I get enjoyment out of these, as they allow me look at rich and famous lifestyles, and allows me to imagine having that lifestyle. They are real life people and situations, therefore it is interesting to watch and find out 'the gossip'.

Uses and Gratifications Theory - Class Notes
My Sister's Keeper 

This clip was upsetting and personally made me feel appreciative of what I have got, as I am not going through that particular situation. Also, I feel sympathy for the characters as it is such as traumatic and sad time. People on a whole, may consume this film if they are going through a particular situation which is similar or if they are feeling similar emotions at the time, therefore they can relate with the feelings that the characters are feeling. Sometimes people like to be emotional and share sad emotions, therefore this is why this film may be consumed.

What Happens In Vegas

This film provokes feelings of happiness and humor, as it is a romantic comedy, therefore I enjoy hearing the jokes and seeing people's reactions. There is an element of fun and happiness throughout, which is entertaining to watch. Also, the situations are realistic and ones that I can relate too, therefore this is another reason why I liked this particular film. Generally, people may like this film, as everyone enjoys laughing and smiling and this film stimulates those emotions, also romance is involved, therefore people can relate to this and relate it to their own relationships and all the emotions and events that come with a relationship. Also, it is set in Vegas, many people have not been there, therefore there may be an element of curiosity as to what the location is like.

Hypodermic Needle Theory - Class Notes
I focused on the Hypodermic needle theory and all of its aspects. Although, the cons of the theory are:

• Its very out of date and invalid
• Not all people consume media in the same way
• Not everyone watches the news/ consumes media in the same way
• Audiences are not simply passive more up to date theories have proved this

Reception Theory Stuart Hall - Class Notes
I wrote about reception theory and the elements that are included. I explained the dominant/preferred readings, negotiated readings and the oppositional readings of the media. There are examples and photographs included to help explain the different meanings. I also included the different people who view the media, such as young people, women, men and elderly people and discussed how there views vary from one another.