Cultivation Theory

Cultivation Theory, developed by George Gerbner, suggests that long-term exposure to media, especially television, shapes viewers' perceptions of reality. It posits that the more people watch TV, the more they may adopt its portrayals and values, often influencing their beliefs about social norms, safety, and behavior. For instance, frequent viewers might perceive the world as more dangerous due to the prevalence of crime shows. Essentially, the theory highlights the power of media in shaping our understanding of reality, often reinforcing stereotypes and fears that may not align with actual societal conditions.