Blumler and Katz – Uses and Gratifications Theory

In lesson we learnt about the theory of Uses and Gratifications Theory. The information which is below goes into detail and breaks down the theory.     

The theory suggests that audiences use media texts(any) for various reasons:

• Diversion(Escapism) – To escape from everyday life
• Personal Relationships (Social Interaction) – Use the media text for emotional and other interaction e.g. substituting soap operas for family life
• Personal identity – Create their own identity from characters/celebrities in media texts, and learning behavior and values.
• Surveillance (Information) To gain information and knowledge
• Entertainment – As a means of relaxation, enjoyment and emotional release. Purely for the ‘fun’ of the experience.

This is the theory in which we will link to are thriller task. This will be useful because with this theory we will be able to find which type of audience will like are thriller.