Audience Theory 2

 

Audience Theory 2- Effects Debate

Theory questions and your opinion

1) Social learning theory has been criticised for simplifying the causes of violence in society. Do you think the media is responsible for anti-social behaviour and violence?

I think that social media is one of the factors of anti-social behaviour and violence, but I do not think it is the sole reason. Violent content can cause a person to act out and be reckless. Media dependency can cause anti-social behaviour. An example is someone always on their pone.

2) How is social learning theory relevant in the digital age? Are young people now learning behaviour from social media and the internet?

Young people learn a lot from social media and the internet. If they look up to someone, they often follow what their idol does. However, I also feel that today's young people are quicker to voice their own opinions and ideas compared to past generations.

3) Research three examples of moral panic from the last 50 years. To what extent was the media responsible for these moral panics? Was the concern in society justified? How have things changed as a result of these moral panics?

4) What examples are given of technopanics that create fear in society?

~ Cyber security

~ Online child safety

~ Digital Privacy

5) Do you think the internet should be regulated? Should the government try and control what we can access online?

I think that the only thing that needs to be regulated is inappropriate content for younger children. I think this because after someone is and adult, they are responsible and should know what content they are accessing

6) Apply Gerbner's cultivation theory to new and digital media. Is the internet creating a fearful population? Are we becoming desensitised to online threats, trolling and abuse? Is heavy internet use something we should be worried about in society?

I believe that heavy internet is indeed something we should we be worried about. People are so used to trolling and negative comments that they are immune too it. They have become desensitised. It becomes their norm and this is really bad for people and their mental-health.


The effects debate: Media Factsheet

1)Do you play violent games? Are you violent in real life?

I do not really play violent games at all and in real life I am not really a violent person.

2) What are the four categories for different effects theories?

. Direct Effect Theory

. Diffusion Theory

. Indirect Effect Theory

. The pluralist Approach

3) What are the examples provided for the hypodermic needle theory - where media texts have been blamed for certain events? 

. Child's Play

. Marilyn Manson

. Natural Born Killers

4) What was the 1999 Columbine massacre?

It was a school shooting and attempted bombing in Colombia. A twelfth grade pupil killed 12 students and a teacher.

5) What are the reasons listed on the fact sheet to possibly explain the Columbine High School massacre?

. Social acceptance of gun ownership.

. Alienation of teenagers feeling like they do not fit in.

. General desensitisation caused by violent content.

. Hopelessness of living in an area with high unemployment.

6) How does the fact sheet describe Gerbner's Cultivation theory?

His theory considers how media affects attitudes instead of behaviour. Through repetition attitudes, ideas and values may become normalised. The audience becomes desensitised towards negative representations. 

7) What does the fact sheet suggest about action films and the values and ideologies that are reinforced with regards to violence?

~Violence for a good reason is acceptable.

~Violence for a bad reason must be punished.

8) What criticisms of direct effect theories are suggested in the fact sheet?
It is criticised for making judgements about the audiences