Theorists Blumler & Katz identified 4 main uses or gratifications that people seek from consuming media: diversion from problems, developing personal relationships, forming personal identity, and keeping informed. Their uses and gratifications theory has been criticized for suggesting that people always choose media to fulfill needs and are always in control of the media texts they consume.

1. Uses & Gratifications Theorists Blumler & Katz (1974) came up with 4 main uses we have for consuming the media:DiversionPersonal relationshipsPersonal identitySurveillance

2. U&G: Diversion

3. U&G: Diversionescaping, or being diverted, from problemsrelaxinggetting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoymentfilling timeemotional releasesexual arousal

4. U&G: personal relationships

5. U&G: personal relationshipsgaining insight into circumstances of others; social empathyidentifying with others and gaining a sense of belongingfinding a basis for conversation and social interactionhaving a substitute for real-life companionshiphelping to carry out social rolesenabling one to connect with family, friends and society

6. U&G: personal identity

7. U&G: personal identityfinding reinforcement for personal valuesfinding models of behaviouridentifying with valued other (in the media) gaining insight into one's self

8. U&G: Surveillance

9. U&G: Surveillancefinding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and decision choices satisfying curiosity and general interest learning; self-education gaining a sense of security through knowledge

10. CriticismsThis theory suggests we alwayschoose to consume the mediaIt suggests we always have a need to fulfillIt suggests we are always in control of the media texts we are faced with