Uses and Gratifications Theory

Oct 3, 2017
1 min read

Blumler and Katz’ theory suggests that we choose to watch certain programmes because it satisfies a need – we USE a programme to GRATIFY or please ourselves.

They identified four main uses and gratifications:

Entertainment and diversion – taking you away from your own problems and your own world for a while – escapism
Surveillance and information – helping you to get knowledge about the world and how it works
Personal identity – comparing yourself to characters on TV – what would you do in that situation. How would you behave? Would you be as brave? As foolhardy?
Personal companionship – getting involved with the characters as if they are real, wanting to find out what happens in their lives; also having something to talk about with other people – ‘did you see that last night…’ conversations.