Uses and Gratification Theory

Uses and gratification theory

This is the theory of how people use media for their needs and what people do with media rather than what media does to people.  There are five categories; cognitive needs, affective needs, personal integrative needs, social integrative needs and tension free needs.

Cognitive needs
People use the media to gain knowledge, particularly on the Internet, browsing for any topic.

Affective needs
People use the media for their emotional needs, for example a romantic or sad scene may make people cry.

Personal integrative needs
People use the media to reassure themselves and boost their self-esteem.

Social integrative needs
People use media to socialize with family and friends and the rest of society.

Tension free needs
People use the media to escape from reality and to free themselves from tension, it is a form of relaxing.

Media effects are beneficial because they fulfil the audience’s needs.

 The Information on the contents page is clear and the audience is able to see page references and what content is featured in the magazine. The page is presented nicely with a main picture of the focal point of the magazine. 
There is a page specifically to inform the audience about gigs which helps to engage and involve the magazine. 
The magazine would be good for those who are passionate about music to gain a deeper level of knowledge, therefore this magazine would appeal to them. 
The magazine is heavy with articles and news to entertain the reader.

Uses and gratification theory from sheenaaustinn