What is Hypodermic Needle Theory?

Hypodermic Needle Theory was developed by the Frankfurt School in the 1930s. It suggests that the media injects messages into the audience who passively accept these messages without challenge. This theory has since been challenged by other theorists who suggest audiences are more active than this.

EL
Answered by Ella L. Media Studies tutor

5465 Views

See similar Media Studies GCSE tutors

Related Media Studies GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I analyse the mise en scène?


What are the advantages and disadvantages of digital/online newspapers?


What is meant by the term cross-media?


How are print newspapers constructed to address their target audiences? In your answer you should refer to The Daily Mirror.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning