The field of media effects exists to explain how individuals respond to being exposed to the media. Media effects mostly deal with the effects of mass media, and how the population as a whole is influenced. Some of the more popular media effects paradigms include video nasty censorship, hypodermic needle theory, limited effects model, cultivation theory, mean world syndrome, and moral panics. Video nasty censorship refers to the censoring or banning of films that were criticised for its display of violent content. When video nasty censorship is explained the most common reference is the widespread criticism that occurred in the UK about several films including “The Last House on the Left” (1972). These videos were seen as showing too much
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Hypodermic needle theory does not take into account the fact that these listeners also receive opinions from others in their communities as well as media from other sources. The limited effects model on the other hand is a much better explanation of how the listening public is influenced by mass media. The model states that the mass media message on individuals are limited. The Limited effects model says, instead of a message being directly received, there is a two step flow of communication: from the media to opinion leaders to the general public. Moral Panic is defined as a sudden concern over a group or activity, accompanied by calls for control and suppression. In the past moral panic has been used as a form of social control. In this sense, Moral Panic can be used as a positive strategy to cause reform or even a negative strategy to spread lies to increase ratings. Mean World Syndrome describes the idea that violence related mass media makes individuals believe the world is more dangerous than it really is. Mean World Syndrome is a main conclusion of Cultivation …show more content…
Cultivation Theory can be used to explain the harmful outcomes this film can cause. The opening scene of the film is a graphic rape scene. The scene shows the main character Michele on the floor with her assailant over her. The assailant soon finishes and cleans himself off and leaves, while Michele remains on the floor. According to Danesi (2013), cultivation says that media cultivates, and does not threaten, the status quo. Rape is a terribly serious problem in society and is much more common than it should be. Scenes such as this one would not change rape culture. Based on cultivation theory, it may well do the opposite and help normalize the horrific act. In addition to showing the scene in the film, the decision of Michele to not call the police can lead viewers to do the same if they were in that
Hypodermic needle theory does not take into account the fact that these listeners also receive opinions from others in their communities as well as media from other sources. The limited effects model on the other hand is a much better explanation of how the listening public is influenced by mass media. The model states that the mass media message on individuals are limited. The Limited effects model says, instead of a message being directly received, there is a two step flow of communication: from the media to opinion leaders to the general public. Moral Panic is defined as a sudden concern over a group or activity, accompanied by calls for control and suppression. In the past moral panic has been used as a form of social control. In this sense, Moral Panic can be used as a positive strategy to cause reform or even a negative strategy to spread lies to increase ratings. Mean World Syndrome describes the idea that violence related mass media makes individuals believe the world is more dangerous than it really is. Mean World Syndrome is a main conclusion of Cultivation …show more content…
Cultivation Theory can be used to explain the harmful outcomes this film can cause. The opening scene of the film is a graphic rape scene. The scene shows the main character Michele on the floor with her assailant over her. The assailant soon finishes and cleans himself off and leaves, while Michele remains on the floor. According to Danesi (2013), cultivation says that media cultivates, and does not threaten, the status quo. Rape is a terribly serious problem in society and is much more common than it should be. Scenes such as this one would not change rape culture. Based on cultivation theory, it may well do the opposite and help normalize the horrific act. In addition to showing the scene in the film, the decision of Michele to not call the police can lead viewers to do the same if they were in that