As media is rapidly growing there are numerous ways to produce media and communicate worldwide and to view and interact as an audience. During this lesson, I was very interested in Blumler and Katz concept of the Uses and Gratification Theory (1987) which explored Entertainment, Social Interaction, Information and Personal Identity as I regularly participate as an audience member. This is evident in my college which conveys my uses of the media and an insight to what I enjoy.

 

Elements of my participation :

  • Reality TV – Love Island, Ibiza Weekender
  • Music – AJ Tracey, 
  • Movies – The Breakfast Club
  • Social Media – Instagram, Snapchat 

 

Creating this portfolio made me think about social media platforms having a growing importance in our lives since we can showcase our living experiences and interact by liking, commenting and viewing profiles. But also reflect a variety of dimensions regarding our position in the virtual and physical social life through a virtual community.

This knowledge of Uses and Gratification will help me and impact my own products (e.g. music magazine) as businesses rely on knowledge of audience motivations to make media choices that will help them meet their specific wants and needs to make a profit.