Audience theory 2: blog tasks

1) Social learning theory has been criticised for simplifying the causes of violence in society. Do you think the media is responsible for anti-social behaviour and violence?

I think media could have an influence on people as they could admire what they do. They could also see people on social media as role models as they don't have that type of influence in their real lives. However, i also think that social media does not completely influence people as it is their own choice and actions with what they do.  

2) How is social learning theory relevant in the digital age? Are young people now learning behaviour from social media and the internet? Give examples.

The social learning theory is relevant in the digital age as children are influenced on social media through what they see adults do nowadays. Children are learning behaviour from social media as most children do use the media and could use people on social media as role models. Children are also easily influenced and could believe what they see on the media especially if its coming from a adult. 

3) Research three examples of moral panic from the last 50 years. To what extent was the media responsible for these moral panics? Was the concern in society justified? How have things changed as a result of these moral panics?

1. Ebola
2. covid 19
3. petrol 

4) Read this introduction to an academic paper on technopanics. What examples are given of technopanics that create fear in society? If the link is blocked in school, you can access the text here.

Child safety, digital privacy and cyber security.

                                        

5) Do you think the internet should be regulated? Should the government try and control what we can access online?

Ongoing societal learning, experimentation, resiliency and coping strategies.

6) Apply Gerbner's cultivation theory to new and digital media. Is the internet creating a fearful population? Are we becoming desensitised to online threats, trolling and abuse? Is heavy internet use something we should be worried about in society? Write a paragraph discussing these ideas.

If the internet was regulated, we wouldn't have any freedom and it would go against our rights. However, people use this to their advantage and search stuff which are very negative. The government can ban certain websites that are involved in crime but not full access to our online use.

7) What does the factsheet suggest about action films and the values and ideologies that are reinforced with regards to violence?

Violence is only acceptable if it's agreed the intent is good.

8) What criticisms of direct effect theories are suggested in the factsheet?

It's very patronising to the audience, giving them little credit.

9) Why might the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour be considered so controversial today? What does this tell us about Reception theory and how audiences create meanings?

The subject of the sitcom seems racist and outdated to new viewers. 

10) What examples are provided for Hall's theory of preferred, negotiated and oppositional readings?

The Sun and The Guardian