1. Uses and Gratifications
What are the strengths of this In what ways might the Uses & Gratifications model be
model? limited?
Hint:Think of the weaknesses of Hint...
the Effects models.
Escapism/Entertainment Information/Surveillance
A form of escape Information
from everyday about
pressures. A ‘what’s
source of going on’ in
entertainment. the world
What needs
Personal Identity does Big
Comparing own life Brother fulfil? Social Interaction
with characters and
situations portrayed Sociability through
& to explore discussion about TV
individual problems with other people
and perspectives

2. Uses and Gratifications
Good because: However…
• Supposes an ‘active’ audience – • Simplistic view of how an audience works with a text
that can provide its own
• Assumes that the media identify these needs on behalf
interpretation of text’s meaning.
of the audience and they meet our needs – could we
Active – rather than Passive have other needs that are not identified?
Escapism/Entertainment Information/Surveillance
A form of escape Information
from everyday about
pressures. A ‘what’s
source of going on’ in
entertainment. the world
What needs
Personal Identity does Big
Comparing own life Brother fulfil? Social Interaction
with characters and
situations portrayed Sociability through
& to explore discussion about TV
individual problems with other people
and perspectives