The uses and gratifications of social media

A recent study by Whiting and Williams interviewed a range of social media users and explored what keeps them coming back to social networks.

• Social interaction – social media, not surprisingly, allows people to be social. They meet new people and keep in touch with friends, acquaintances and family.
• Information seeking – this refers to the process of finding information about products/services, keeping up to date with real-world social events, and learning new things.
• Passing time – social media is a great time killer and can cure boredom whether at home, at school, or in the work place.
• Entertainment – games, music and videos are all accessed through social media. Watching the stream of updates from people is also a form of entertainment – whether intentionally humorous or not.
• Relaxation – whilst people find others updates humorous, they also find them relaxing. Social media is a way to alleviate stress and escape from reality.
• Expression of opinions – expressing thoughts and opinions, criticizing others and blowing off steam (either anonymously or named) is regularly undertaken through social media.
• Things to talk about – like the daily newspaper, social media provide subject matter for people to talk and gossip about with others.
• Convenience – social media is readily accessible, even more so as mobile devices become ubiquitous. Furthermore, people can talk to several people at the same time.
• Sharing information – people can use social media to broadcast things about themselves. By publishing updates, videos and pictures, people market their own personal brand or business.
• Knowing about others – social media allows a window into the lives of others. By checking out other profiles, they can be nosey or ‘keep up with the Jones’’

Because we all love John Lewis at Christmas time...

I thought it was only fitting to share this with you as 50% of our class work for John Lewis! Merry Christmas year 13!

New/digital media case studies

Here are the case studies you have chosen:

JACK
The future of the games console
A study into how new technology is affecting gaming and how this impacts on the audiences who buy/play the games. As games become more real and interactive, do we become dangerously involved in their narratives? Audience theories are useful here!

SUSIE
Cyberfeminism
Has the internet helped or hindered feminist causes? Has it not created more opportunities for stalking, objectifying and criticizing women? Or is it used to provide freedom of speech and to promote feminist causes?

KIERAN
The impact of Facebook on our lives
A study into how people use Facebook in positive and potentially negative ways. Could look at Facebook campaigns, scams etc as well as controversies over privacy, control and the power and influence it has as a website. Remember to look at how it makes money and how the adverts we see are tailored to our ‘needs’.

ISAAC
Youtube
Content is generated by users however this has caused problems with copyright laws. Youtube is owned by Google so who really benefits from the site’s popularity? Look at 'prosumers'.

ALICIA
The music industry
The internet had created ways for musicians to promote themselves and for some it is the reason they gained fame in the first place. Look at ways artists have used digital media to promote themselves.

REBECCA
 Advertising and branding
A study into how companies use new/digital media in innovative ways to promote brands and products. You could consider how adverts are now tailored to individual users. Is this a form of censorship? Do you see the same version of the internet as everyone else?

JOE
 Mobile Phone Technology and Convergence
Look at the future of mobile phones – how have we changed the way we use them from just being calling/texting devices. In the future your phone could become your wallet, with new technology which will allow you to use it as a payment card.
BECKER
 Apple – the iPod, iPhone and iPad
This brand has been responsible for many innovative products – they have made technology fashionable, functional and above all something which makes a statement about the owner of the device. You could look at the functions of their most iconic products and how they are changing the way we live.

MEST 3 Hints and tips

For hints and tips on MEST3, follow this link... THIS ONE!

New/Digital Media - Article links

Here are a few article links you may want if they are relevant to your individual case studies. I will continue to update this page so keep checking back!

REDDIT USER AGREEMENT

BEYONCE'S NEW ALBUM AND REVOLUTION IN PR

GOOGLE LETS SOFTWARE DO YOUR SOCIALISING

ANOTHER MEDIA BLOG

BT TO ADD MUSIC SERVICE

STREAMING MUSIC

SPOTIFY FREE TIER

MEST 3 SECTION B WHAT MAKES A GOOD CASE STUDY

SECTION B – WHAT MAKES A GOOD CASE STUDY AND A GOOD EXAM

ANSWER

 

 

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CASE STUDY?

The best case studies include:

 

1. A range of different media products from a range of media platforms

2. Detailed examples from particular media products.

3. Evidence of research into media debates and issues and relevant wider contexts.

4. Theory used to explain and support answers

5. A real interest in the case study chosen, evidenced by engagement with the products and issues and own opinions.

 

HOW TO GET THE BEST MARK YOU CAN

 

1. Having your own individual case study to answer the question.

You shouldn’t all have the same case study. This doesn’t allow you to show evidence of independent study, which excludes you from the higher levels. For example, all writing answers on the representation of youth, with the same or very similar media products, theory, contexts and media debates will limit you. Candidates who have their own case study are more engaged and more willing to focus on the question, rather than repeat a pre learned answer of descriptive points. This will lead to higher marks as it is more independent. The majority of the media products used to support and illustrate your answer should also be individual. You will do a class overview of a topic to introduce it and then you should do your own individual case study with your own choice of media products.

 

2. Answer the particular question that is asked, don’t write ‘everything I know about my case study’. It is best to do a plan before the question is answered.

 

3. Include detailed references to particular media products, rather than just general examples.

For example:

A point explaining that the BBC has adapted to the changes in new and digital media could be illustrated with them reaching a niche audience with BBC3 and some examples of BBC3 programmes and examples from those programmes.

A point explaining how social networking was used to reach audiences in the last election could be illustrated by a particular party or single issue website, with examples from the content of the website.

 

4. Showing range in your answers – platforms, media products

Refer to a wide range of platforms, preferably all three, but at least two.

This can seem more straight forward for some case studies, but even for example in a case study on the vampire genre products could be obviously films and TV programmes, but also teenage girls magazines and fan and official websites.

Refer to a range of different media products to support the answer, not for example just one or two films.

 

5. Having a clear focus.

Answers are better when they have a clear and specific focus.

For example for Representation one social group or one place with detailed examples from particular media products and for New and Digital media one industry and one institution, again with detailed examples from particular media products

 

6. Apply media issues, debates and theories

What does your case study suggest are the current issues in the media?

Apply relevant media theories to your case study and media products, use the theory to answer the question and support the point made, don’t just describe a theory.

 

7. Include relevant wider contexts

Again apply them to the own case study.

MEST 3: New/digital media - Let software do your socialising.

It is often argued that audiences are becoming more active and engaged with the everyday world due to the media but what happens when new forms of media take over? Are we really in control?