Displacement Theory

The displacement theory was developed by leading mass media scholar, Maxwell McCombs. Basically this theory describes how we as individuals only have so much time in our lives that we can communicate. Meaning that participation in one communication domain takes away from others, when a new communication technology is introduced then we have less time for other communication activities. This theory is based on the fact that time is a limited resource and the amount of time we have constrains communication activities.

 This theory holds true in my life and I can relate it to my use of television. Television has and will be a huge communication technology I use in my life every day. This displacement theory holds true in my television use for many reasons. For one, I find myself trying to decide whether I want to watch television or listen to my iPod and a lot of the time I choose to watch television.

With the introduction of many new technologies like the iPod, MP3 player and satellite radio, it is hard to manage our time between these and television. The displacement theory uses somewhat of a sum game which starts at a baseline of 0. Once you bring in new technology it adds points, you have to take away from other communication activities to get back to the baseline of 0.

This is difficult to do because one has to decide which communication activity they favor more. With these new technologies becoming more advanced and new ones being introduced, the television is sometimes left in the dust but I honestly believe that it is an activity that will not be forgotten. It is the only device that an individual can watch live programs and watch shows that are not offered online or through streaming. It is something that continues to develop itself through things like HDTV and satellite television. When I find myself with spare time, the television is what I choose to fill that time but that also means that I spend less time using other things like my iPod, radio, or other activities proving the displacement theory true.