The Media Dependency Theory proposes that the more dependent an individual is on media to have their needs met, the more important media will be to that person. The theory was developed by Sandra Ball-Rokeach and Melvin DeFleur and is widely applicable today given society's overwhelming use of media. There is debate around what exactly causes media dependency, with some pointing to factors like age, occupation, or geographic location.

1. MEDIA
DEPENDENCY
THEORY
HANNAH TREECE
COMM 2010

3. MEDIA DEPENDENCY
THEORY
A theory of mass communication that
assumes the more dependent an individual
is on the media for having his or her needs
filled, the more important the media will be
to the person.

4. (PUNNY)

5. MEDIA DEPENDENCY
THEORY
The Media Dependency Theory is used by
everyone who uses media, A.K.A just about
every person in America and beyond (and
YOU).

6. MEDIA DEPENDENCY
THEORY
The really important people (the people that
developed the theory) go by the names of
Sandra Ball-Rokeach and Melvin DeFleur.

8. MEDIA DEPENDENCY
THEORY
Because media is ever growing and
changing in todays society, and is used by
such an overwhelming number of people, it
is crucial to discover what factors make
media so important, and what causes some
people to become so dependent upon it.

10. MEDIA DEPENDENCY
THEORY
The biggest disagreements about the
theory are over what causes media
dependency. Some people think its age,
others occupation, others geographic
location.

12. MEDIA DEPENDENCY
THEORY
Far too often we all get way too caught up in media,
so much so that we don’t even realize that we have
become dependent upon it. SO… we should all be
aware of strong our bonds with media are, put down
your smart phones, step away from Twitter, and enjoy
the beautiful world we live in!