Aplicaciones de la Teoría de Usos y Gratificaciones en la investigación en Comunicación: una revisión sistematizada

The Uses and Gratifications Theory is one of the most productive areas of research in the field of Communication. Since its inception in the 1940s, it has evolved and incorporated new variables through applications in various media, especially social media, and demographic contexts. This article, based on a systematized review of 88 works published in reference databases, describes the objects of study, methodologies, and forms of application of this theory from the year 2020 to 2022. The results demonstrate its diverse forms of application while indicating its relevance as a useful theoretical framework from which to explore and report on people's motivations and needs for using various media, as well as their perceived effects. In particular, the recurring population in these studies are young people, corresponding with the social media and platforms being investigated. Likewise, surveys are the technique predominantly used. However, it is noted that most of the time, authors barely mention the Uses and Gratifications Theory without proposing a relevant conceptual or methodological development that allows for discussion of its limitations, deepening its scope, and updating its possibilities.