Theories

MORAL PANIC

Definition: A moral panic is a feeling of fear spread among a large number of people that some evil threatens the well-being of society. A Dictionary of Sociology defines a moral panic as "the process of arousing social concern over an issue – usually the work of moral entrepreneurs and the mass media".
Example: Isis

HYPODERMIC NEEDLE THEORY

Definition: The hypodermic needle model (also known as the hypodermic-syringe model, transmission-belt model, or magic bullet theory) is a model of communications suggesting that an intended message is directly received and wholly accepted by the receiver.                      

CULTIVATION

A theory made by George Gerbner who proposed the idea that exposure to repeated patterns of representation over long periods of time can shape and influence the way in which people perceiver the world around them. In short- the more we see the same representations and messages, the more we believe they are true.

EFFECTS

A theory made by Albert Bandura who proposed the idea that the media can implant ideas in the mind of the audience directly. The idea that audiences acquire attitudes, emotional responses and new styles of conduct through modelling. The idea that media representations of transgressive behaviour, such as violence or physical aggression, can lead to audience members to imitate those forms of behaviour. In short- if an audience sees aggressive behaviour, they are likely to mimic it.