Week 5 - Uses & Gratifications

Text One – The X Factor

Personal Identity is definitely part of The X Factor. We are given an insight into many of the contestants lives; normally  anything ranging from their  children or to health problems! This creates a sense of reality t.v for the program, in which many people could possibly relate to a performer due to qualities or issues that they share. Over the years, a term used to describe a lot of the contestants own private problems are known as ‘sob stories’. This only helps the audience relate to a singer, as many of the audience themselves would be experiencing their own issues or difficulties. This is a very clever technique, done so that not only people feel sorry for a contestant, but if anybody at home watching the show were experiencing the same problems, they would feel inclined and drawn in into voting for that performer.

Escapism/Entertainment also plays a huge format in The X Factor. Shown every weekend in a prime time spot, many families would enjoy watching the show together. The entertainment factor would be that of the contestants performing, which for the viewer would is enjoyable to see how particular singers develop, or in some cases even decline. Singing has always been considered entertainment, and so what could be more entertaining than a reality style television show in which contestants battle it out to win the ultimate prize; a contract deal. Another factor of the show that would be enjoyable is the reality t.v aspects. Viewers would enjoy watching the contestants go about their everyday life, and to see what trials and tribulations they have encountered along their ‘journey’.

Without Interaction, they show be nowhere near as successful as it is. We are given the opportunity to vote for who we want, ultimately deciding the ‘storyline’ of the show. The X Factor is always a huge talking point, and “did you see the X Factor?” can alone strike up a conversation. Friendship groups would discuss their opinions on singers, and the show is also a way in which people are able to relate to each other. With the modern use of social interaction, shows like the X Factor only continue to get bigger and more popular. With a click of a button you are able to discuss your views with millions of fans alike, and nowadays with the use of Twitter and Facebook, we as a nation are able to see the show play out live before our eyes.

Text Two – Daily Mail

Personal Identity is featured in this newspaper through articles such as real-life stories, in which readers are able to relate to people’s real life experiences and opinions. A lot of the time newspaper try to use situations that may seem shocking, or unthinkable. This manages to create the shock factor, and makes people relate it to their own lives, making them ask the question of what if it were to happen?

Escapism/Entertainment is the main reasons we have newspapers. They are a pass-time, and many people enjoy reading newspapers. By featuring topics in which people would be interested in, such as famous people, real-life stories and general news, readers enjoy finding out about things in which they like. Newspapers cover a wide range of topics, and so most of the time somebody would find something they would be interested in. This helps to widen the appeal of newspapers, and also creates a bigger target audience.

Information/Surveillance plays a key part in newspapers. Newspapers get the majority of their copy from world-events, and whatever is in the headlines at the time. Newspapers feature current and up to date information on things going on locally, and globally. A lot of people tend to find out things from newspapers. Before the invention of televisions, it were one of the main sources in which people found out about major events. Nowadays, although we have the likes of radio, internet and T.V, people still refer to newspapers in finding out key facts and information in whatever they are talking about.