Hypodermic Needle Theory- Uses and gratufication theory

Example 1

This example shows the use of drugs in GTA V which is illegal

Example 1 Analysis

This example shows one of the main characters in the GTA V universe doing drugs (Marijuana). This was illegal in most countries at the time of the release of GTA V and still is. Drug taking in the game was one controversial things that caused concern amongst many parents because they feared thatif their child thought it acceptable to do drugs in a game then the child would want to do it in real life. The same applies to violence and other dangerous behaviours. The U&GT states that users will seek out specific information to satisfy their needs. This means that a player would do drugs virtually in the game to satisfy their desire to do something illegal or experience the effects of taking drugs, but without actually breaking the law or physically taking illegal substances. This would prove U&GT to be correct. Players would do the drugs in the game to satisfy their needs because they would not want to try drugs in real life. However, there is evidence to show that people do things in real life because they have experienced it and considered it acceptable in a game.

Example 2

This example here shows a player stealing a police car which is highly illegal

Example 2 Analysis

This example shows a player stealing a police car which is clearly illegal in all countries across the globe. This caused worldwide outrage amongst police forces, because by showing a player doing these actions within the GTA V game they thought it would encourage players to impersonate officers and steal police vehicles. This was and still is a highly controversial topic about GTA V. These two actions are highly illegal and would possibly result being sent to prison if they were attempted in real life. Again these actions prove the U&GT to be correct due to it showing that players want to do illegal things within a game but not in real life.

Example 3

This example here shows a drunk character driving a car under the influence of alcohol and cause a traffic accident.

Example 3 Analysis

This shows a character under the influence of alcohol trying to drive a car and causing a fatal traffic accident soon after. In all countries drink driving is illegal. Because it's part of a game people may think they can do it is OK to drink and drive in real life. If they did they would be at a higher risk of causing a traffic accident. This was controversial for many people because they were stating that if it was ok to do this within a game then it must be ok to do in real life. This also means that people were scared of the consequences it could have on the player if they did think they were in the game when actually in real life. This example of GTA V shows U&GT being used because players want to experince thrilling things, which may be illegal, without facing the consequences of their actions in real life. Therefore many people disliked GTA V because it could encourage bad or risky behaviour. But by doing these in game the players can satisfy their needs without breaking the law in real life.