The effect model

The effects model is an idea within media to present the consumption of media texts:

• Imitation- is the idea that the audience passively take in what the media texts are presenting and therefore copying what they see as they see it as the 'norm'.
• Desensitisation- The media texts no longer have the desired effect that they should as the audience have become used to what they are seeing- for example on screen violence.
• Catharsis- watching media as an escape. Often audiences use catharsis to watch programmes such as Eastenders in order to make themselves feel better and have an escape from their life problems.