Audiences

Active and Passive Audiences

1.) Two theories associated with the effects debate are the desensitisation model and the hypodermic syringe model. The desensitisation is a long term effect theory, this suggests that constant exposure to repeated media messages can make an audience immune to the effects. For example, if the audience constantly watch the news and there are stories of murders or acts of violence then over time, after repeatedly seeing these news stories, the audience member will see the events differently and won't be as affected by them as they previously would; the person may also become completely immune to the effects as they may think these events are no longer events and just regular occurrences.

The hypodermic syringe model is a short term effect theory, this suggests that the people are more like robots that can't think for themselves and if the audience consume media it will instantly effect how they act. For example, if an audience member plays GTA then they will instantly become more violent and aggressive. 

2.) An active audience reception suggests that the audience can consume media while still being able to make their own opinions and choices. Furthermore, it suggests that the media can inspire an idea but the text has no meaning when it is made; it suggests that the person will give it a meaning upon consuming the text. An active audience has free will and can't be forced to act in a way without their consent and them wanting to. A passive audience suggests that they have no free will and are easily manipulated, for example, if an audience member watches The Matrix then they will immediately be affected and they have no choice but to act differently in relation to that film. It also suggests that the audience members are just followers and can not make their own decisions but will however do what they are told.

3.) I don't think violence in the media can cause violent behaviour, I think that person would have to be violent already, however, the media text could inspire that person and give them an idea of how to commit an act of violence but if they didn't consume that media they still would have committed the act but it would have been done in a different way. It all depends on the person you are, if you are naturally violent and aggressive then you will most likely be a violent person with or without the media; the media may only be an inspiration.

4.) I believe active audiences theories are more acceptable because I have played violent video games myself and I have seen many violent films, however, I have never committed an act of violence or done anything to anyone in relation to a film. Furthermore, millions of people play games such as GTA but not all of them are violent people, very few people who play these game will ever repeat something from the game or ever lash out in violence because of it. I also believe that all of us are independent and have free will and that we are not like robots who respond to commands which we consume in the media. 

5.) A media text I enjoy is Top Gear, I believe this offers escapism and entertainment as it allows you to forget about everything else going on while you are entertained with humour and interesting facts. This could also come under information/surveillance because if you are interested in cars then the show can keep you informed on new cars and which ones are the best according to the hosts. Social interaction also plays a part in this text as it allows you to share what you have seen on the show and it opens a conversation which you can have with someone else.