Uses and Gratification Theory by Blumler and Katz - 13/07/2011

The uses and gratification theory poses the question: what do people do with media? The ways in which people gratify their needs through media can be divided into five categories...

• Cognitive needs - aquiring information, knowledge and understanding

E.g. Movies based on true stories such as World Trade Centre

• Affective needs - for emotion and pleasure

E.g. One Day movie

• Personal Integrative needs - for reassuring status, gaining credibility and stability

E.g. This Is England movie

• Social Integrative needs - so people can socialise with family and friends

E.g. Family may all enjoy watching the Shrek movie

• Tension Free needs - Escaping from work and relieving tension

E.g. Romantic comedies such as The Break-Up movie