Uses and Gratifications Theory

Researchers made links between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how audiences use the media.

We use the media for our most basic needs and satisfactions, according to four features:

1. Surveillance (Information, satisfies curiosity)
2. Sense of personal identity (Reinforce our own values and beliefs)
3. Personal Relationships (loneliness, empathise with the characters and the narrative, and generally figures in the media. Also following the crowd in watching something that is quite popular and will help audiences to engage in communication.
4. Diversion (to pass the time. escapism, unsatisfaction with mundane and real world)