Cultivation Theory examines the long-term effects of television on viewers' perceptions of social reality. It suggests that the more time people spend watching television, the more likely they are to believe social reality reflects what is portrayed on television. However, critics argue it is too simplistic and does not analyze television's potential positive effects or account for other social influences.

1. Cultivation
Theory
Austin Lee

2. What is it?
Cultivation
Theory is a
social theory
that examines
the long term
effects of
television.

3. “Hey
Patrick, Do
you watch
tv?”
“Yes……!!”

4. THEN YOU USE IT!!
WOO HOO!

5. Researchers believe
that the more time
people spend “living”
in the television world,
the more likely they
are the believe that
social reality is what is
portrayed on tv.
OH NO!!!
‘So what…?’

6. “Society’s
views can be
affected by
other issues”
“You didn’t
analyze the
positive
effects.”
“That’s too
simplistic,
Dog!”
“I feel the
audience is
too
passive….”
Criticism

7. But what happens when
violence-related content of mass
media makes viewers believe that
the world is more dangerous
than it actually is?
“Ma’am, I’m
sorry, but I
believe you
have……
MEAN
WORLD
SYNDROME
!”