This is a theory explaining the uses and gratifications of media text, and why people consume them.

1. A2 Media – Horror Trailer Project
Uses and Gratification
By SorinComerzan

2. The 4 Uses and Gratification
• Personal Identity
• Personal Relationship
• Escapism
• Information

3. Personal Identity
• This means that the viewer would consume a
media text so that they can have something to
relate to. If the media text interests them
enough, then it would help mould who they
are as a person. For example, if a viewer
happens to watch and become interested in
the show “The Inbetweeners”, then the way
they act socially may reflect how the actors in
that show portrays themselves.

4. Personal Relationship
• This is when a viewer speaks to their friends
about a media text that they have consumed.
This is to help create conversation between
one another. For example, in football, a
significant result may be a talking point
between friends, as they may discuss the
events that have happened in that match.

5. Escapism
• This is when a viewer consumes a media text
to escape from reality. For example, when
someone starts to read a magazine, then they
are more focused on what is included in an
article rather than their surroundings.

6. Information
• This is when someone consumes a media text
in order to extract information. For example, a
viewer may be reading a newspaper to
understand what is going on in the world,
which they might not have known about
before. Therefore, a newspaper (which is a
form of media text) will be their outlet of
information.