- Why is the media’s ability to tell you what to think about so important? What current issues are
emphasized by the media? What issues are deemphasized? How are these issues framed by the media? - Donald Trump is one of the most controversial public figures in America. How might the media frame his
visit to a New York City hospital to make him look good? How could the media make him look bad? Define
framing and second-level agenda setting in your response.
Uses and Gratifications Theory: - A chief assumption of Uses and Gratifications Theory is that people can accurately report their reasons
for media use. Explain whether you think this is a reasonable assumption or not. To what extent can you
give an accurate report of the media content you consume? Are you always aware of the reasons you
choose the media you do? Why or why not? - Uses and Gratifications Theory asserts that media use results in gratifications of human needs. Identify
the kinds of needs you fulfill through media use, and try and link specific media choices to specific needs.
Consider also which needs media use does not fulfill in your life. Please refer to the three needs addressed
in the module.
Media Multiplexity Theory: - Make a list of two or three strong ties and note the media you use with each. Now do the same for two or
three weak ties. Which media do you tend to allocate to each type of tie? Is your media usage between
social ties consistent with the theory’s claims? Why or why not? - Explain the concept of latent ties. What does the idea of latent ties tell us about the nature of
communication in online environments? What kinds of potential relationships do you think exist in your
current possibilities for latent ties, and which media are more likely to increase latent tie connections?
Part 2 (REQUIRED Question):
Compare and/or contrast Uses and Gratifications Theory and Agenda Setting Theory. Consider how these
theories explain and characterize media use, media effects, and audience members.
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Sample Solution
