Audience Self-Reflection: Hypodermic Needle Model

Audience Self-Reflection
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Hypodermic Needle Model
Almost every day of my life, I find myself being an audience of one media or the other. The theory that best describes my engagement with the media is the hypodermic needle model. The model primarily focuses on assumptions about human behavior. I must admit that, more often than not, the content I glean from the media significantly influences the way I behave or the decisions I make. In addition, the kind of content different types of media contain helps me make an in-depth analysis of them. In essence, the theory plays a pivotal role in shaping my opinion in many aspects (Gordon, 2022). This helps to consciously decide which media to follow or not. The other reason I cotton to the theory is that I like making my own independent analysis of the content I consume. I am against the idea of someone else interpreting information on the media for me. Even though the founders of the theory had not envisaged the advent of social media, I find it quite applicable in the digital era. For instance, during the election campaign trail in the United States, social media was awash with propaganda about Trump and Biden. There is no doubt that the information bandied around, whether accurate or fabricated, influenced people’s opinions considerably. In addition, as a budding parent, I know this theory will play a significant role in my parenting. This is because my children are wont to get exposed to different types of media that will definitely influence their behavior. In this regard, I need to be vigilant and make sure they don’t fall prey to information that could potentially corrupt their minds.
I consider myself an active member of the audience, and I don't accept information at face value. I am aware that the audience is susceptible to misinformation in the digital dispensation. I, therefore, endeavor to do due diligence to ensure that the information I consume does not sway my opinion negatively. As such, before making any decision, I critically analyze the information. If, for example, I am reading about or watching an advert, I ask myself a few questions. This is usually in line with Lasswell’s linear model. I ask myself who is communicating, what they are saying, and what channel they are using. As important, I question who they are targeting and for what reason. After asking myself those critical questions, I engage the communicators, where possible, to seek whatever clarification I may require. If engaging the communicators proves futile, I apply due d...