In this activity, you will explore the different models of media and their effects on society. Media can be understood in various ways, from being a powerful tool that directly influences audiences to a more passive platform where audiences interpret messages themselves. The main models include the hypodermic syringe (or ‘magic bullet’) model, which suggests media has a direct and immediate effect; the two-step flow model, which highlights the role of opinion leaders in shaping how messages are received; and the uses and gratifications model, which focuses on how audiences actively select media to meet their own needs.

Your task is to identify any missing impacts or perspectives in these models. Think about how media can influence people in ways that might not be fully captured by these traditional approaches, such as through social media, globalisation, or subtle cultural effects.

You can download the full activity here – really useful as a starter or plenary activity.