Applying The Bullet/Hypodermic Needle Theory - Blog Post 1 - MMC6400

The Bullet/Hypodermic Needle theory in Mass Communication covers the idea that audiences are easily influenced by the mass media. According to Communication Theory, the name/concept comes from the notion that messages are, much like a needle or bullet, injected or shot into the audience's mind, implying automatic acceptance of the ideas presented by the media.

I think that because of the nature of media coverage coming from a place of "if it bleeds it leads (ledes?)." There will always be cases where the media highlights one part of an issue more than another.

Current examples of this include the recent highlighting of TikTok being harmful content based on testimony from the CEO of the company, Shou Zi Chew, and other discussions had amongst the courts -- an issue that quickly went "viral". However, while that is the main message that was absorbed by the populous, many viewers failed to hear what Chew was discussing versus the questions being asked by Congress; there was a large disparity between the knowledge exhibited by the Congressmen/women and the testimony of Chew.

Another example could potentially be the recent highlight on Donald Trump and his lawsuit over his attempt at overturning the 2020 election results in Georgia. While it may not be clear at the moment if there is a larger message behind the situation at hand, it is clear that the media has the potential to sway the public and direct attention quite effectively.

The last thing that comes to mind is the struggle for attention between the debt crisis going on in Congress a few months ago around the same time as seemingly "alien" phenomena were happening in the States. The timeline isn't exactly aligned, however, the focus on both of these events and the viral following/attention they gained shows the influence of the theory at work.

I think that because of my background and experience with communication and communication theory -- having analyzed different communication phenomena during my college education, I may be more resistant to media influence at face value. The media still will play a role in my worldview by design, but I believe based on my media literacy skills that I may be able to resist some of these "bullets".