USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORY by Blulmer and Katz (1974) 
DIVERSION
SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
PERSONAL IDENTITY
SURVEILLANCE
emotional stimulation or release
aesthetic enjoyment
escaping from the mundanity/problems of everyday life
culturual stimulation
sociable activity that connects friends and families
gaining sense of belonging
gain social empathy - seeing circumstances of other people
creates topic of discussion and social interaction
something to do to fill the time
reinforces personal values
provides examples of model behaviour
gain personal reflection
provides example for someone to identify with
provides source of insight into current events/ relevant events/ topics of discussion you may be curious about
provides advice on decision choices or personal conflicts
self-education
sense of self-security through knowledge