1. Maryam Munir
Media Studies
Coursework
Research: Uses and Gratifications
The Uses and Gratifications theory developed by Blumer and Kats looked at what audiences
do with media rather than what media does for the audience. It looks at the active roles of
the audience when consuming media. The theory states that an individual may choose and
use a text for the following reasons:
- Diversion: to escape from everyday problems
- Personal Relationships: Using the media to interact with others and form
relationships with them through media interaction
- Personal Identity: to find out who you are when reading a magazine or any other
form of media. Look at how you reflect yourself etc.
- Surveillance: information you get from media that informs or educates you.
Personal Relationships-
Reading all the latest news
regarding your bands will
allow you to talk to your
friends about what is going
on which then builds up
Diversion- By your relationship.
finding out all the
latest news about
your favourite
bands, you will be
able to entertain
yourself if you are Surveillance- Reading the
going through a latest news, reviews and
problem, therefore features allow you to
it allows you to consume information. You
escape and enjoy are being informed of a
yourself. bands album etc and you are
also being entertained.
Personal Identity- Readers are able to establish their real
identity by seeing whether they are interested in the concerts
and music that they are reading about in the magazine. Allows
them to find out what type of person they are by what things
they find interesting.
