Blue Planet

 1) Write a definition of a passive audience: 

An audience that is exposed to media/marketing material but doesn't actively engage with the content or messaging.

2) Write a definition of an active audience: 

Active is when an audience is engaging, interpreting, and responding to media messages and are able to question the message.

3) Write a definition of the hypodermic needle theory: 

The Hypodermic Needle theory is a linear communication theory which suggests that a media message is injected directly into the brain of a passive, homogeneous audience

4) Write down a media product (e.g. TV show, newspaper or video game) for each category of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory and WHY it fits that particular audience use/gratification. The first one is done for you: 

INFORMATION/SURVEILLANCE: The Times newspaper
 > Why: It tells audiences important information about politics, the world and more.

PERSONAL IDENTITY:
 > Why:  

DIVERSION/ENTERTAINMENT: 
 > Why:PERSONAL IDENTITY: The video game "The Sims"

RELATIONSHIPS:
 > Why: 

> Why: "The Sims" allows players to create and control virtual characters, build their own homes, and live out various life scenarios. This game appeals to the personal identity category as it allows players to explore and express their own creativity, aspirations, and personal preferences through the customization of their virtual characters and their virtual lives.

DIVERSION/ENTERTAINMENT: The TV show "Friends"

> Why: "Friends" is a popular sitcom that provides audiences with light-hearted and humorous entertainment. It offers an escape from reality and allows viewers to immerse themselves in the lives and comedic adventures of the show's characters. The show's witty dialogue, relatable storylines, and lovable characters make it a perfect choice for those seeking diversion and entertainment.

RELATIONSHIPS: The social media platform Instagram

> Why: Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to connect and interact with others through sharing photos, videos, and stories. It provides a platform for users to showcase their lives, interests, and experiences, and engage with others through likes, comments, and direct messages. Instagram fulfils the relationships category as it enables users to maintain and strengthen existing relationships, as well as form new connections and communities based on shared interests and experiences.

 

5) Re-watch the clip from Blue Planet above and write a paragraph analysing how elements of the clip offer the audience pleasures or gratifications (use media terminology from Uses and Gratifications theory and the 3 Vs - notes outlined above). In the clip from Blue Planet, several elements offer the audience various pleasures and gratifications, aligning with the principles of Uses and Gratifications theory and the 3 Vs - visual, visceral, and voyeuristic.

Visually, the clip captivates the audience with stunning underwater footage of marine life. The vibrant colours, intricate details, and breath-taking landscapes provide a visual pleasure that engages the audience's senses and immerses them in the beauty of the natural world. This visual appeal satisfies the audience's desire for aesthetic enjoyment and serves as a form of escapism from their everyday lives.

Viscerally, the clip evokes emotional responses from the audience through its use of music and narration. The serene and melodic soundtrack, combined with the soothing voiceover, creates a calming and meditative atmosphere. This sensory experience offers the audience a gratification of relaxation and tranquillity, allowing them to momentarily escape the stresses of their daily routines.

Voyeuristically, the clip offers a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the ocean's surface. The audience is given access to observe and learn about the behaviours, interactions, and habitats of various marine species. This voyeuristic pleasure satisfies the audience's curiosity and desire for knowledge, as they gain insights into the fascinating and often unseen aspects of marine life.

Overall, the clip from Blue Planet provides the audience with visual, visceral, and voyeuristic pleasures. It engages their senses, evokes emotional responses, and satisfies their curiosity and desire for aesthetic enjoyment, relaxation, and knowledge. By offering these gratifications, the clip successfully captivates and entertains the audience, making them more likely to engage with and appreciate the larger documentary series.