The Uses and Gratification Theory implies that we as humans utilize various sources of media; i.e. video games, movies, music, television, and etc. to meet goals. Our choice of media links what type of need is to be satisfied.
The first clip above is an excerpt from the 2007 movie Disturbia where the main character Kale is placed on house arrest. Without the freedom to travel outside his home Kale uses multiple sources of media as a diversion.
He immediately uses his Xbox, avidly playing video games and talking to other players. The need gratified by the selected media was social integrative, because he cannot make contact with the outside world, he is enhancing his connection with the other players by verbally communicating with them through a headset. When access to his Xbox system is denied he resorts to watching television. He begins to become active with what he’s watching talking to the characters in the television show. When his Itunes is deactivated he watches a tv program that arouses his interests. These examples have met the affective need because he was aroused by the women on television, and was interested in the outcome of the first show. Kale also began watching a local news report which is an example of surveillance.
Overall, Kale constantly shows frustration and a form of irritability because he is unable to access his video games, music, and television. It is clear that Kale had a dependency on the various forms of media sources.
5 comments:
When I first viewed this film I understood that Shia was substituting socialization with other forms of media (like the Xbox you mentioned). After this is turned off by his mother, he freaks out because he must subsequently resort to other forms of entertainment. This is a perfect example of uses and gratifications theory, because it also shows what happens when the usual medium choices are not in place.
-Kevin Wong
This film is a great example of the goals met through media and people's dependency on media. Through this movie, it is clear how many goals the media meets on a daily basis. As mentioned, video games, TV, and the computer have become a necessity and our dependency on these media is very high. Through the gratifications shown here, this clip is a perfect example of the Uses and Gratifications theory.
This clip really shows how big a part all kinds of media are in our lives. The fact that Shia is driven to such levels of boredom after the taking away of one form of media shows the amount of dependency we have on things like video games, television, music, and such. We teach ourselves what media we know we will like and what media will gratify us at a given time. Having those forms of media taken away from us confuses us and forces us to find substitute media forms.
This is a perfect example of how teenage boys are so dependent on video game systems. These systems are so pervasive throughout America because it satisfies so many needs. It allows diversion by playing fantasy games, social gratifications by being entertained while your alone or can play the game with multiple friends.
Great example. When I first saw this movie, I thought how terrible it would be to be under house arrest and have to pass my time only by using media. I own a lot of movies and some video games, but it is guaranteed that if I was with my parents, the same thing would happen because I was being punished for house arrest. When he freaks out, it is a testament to the dependency that we have on media to let us escape from the mundane of being in the house, especially when there isn't the option to go to for a run, or go hang out with friends.
Post a Comment