Theorys of Classification

Hyperdermic Theory

An effect on an audience. the term is used to describe the interaction between the media and public relief, offering the concept of people being affected by the information "injected" into them through the media.

Cultivation Theory

The belief that watching media with inappropriate themes/content eg: sex and violence, becomes embedded in the viewers culture.

Desensitisation Theory

The belief in this theory is that because people are exposed to so much violence in the media, violence no longer makes a strong emotional impact upon them.

Copycat theory

This theory states that copycat crimes take place modeled on previous crimes that have been reported/shown in the media.

Uses And Gratifications Theory

The basic theme of uses and gratifications is the idea that people use the media to get specific gratifications. (This is in opposition to the hypodermic syringe model) For example someone who watches something may feel more important and knowledgeable when they have specific facts and stories from media to talk about.