What is a potential risk of heavy exposure to representations in long-running series according to cultivation theory?

• A. It reduces audience engagement.
• B. It accelerates social change.
• C. It can entrench stereotypes and normalize limited representations.
• D. It has no effect on representation.

Answer: (C)

Heavy, repeated exposure to representations in long-running series can shape viewers' perceptions of social reality. Cultivation theory argues that the more time people spend with televised content, the more their everyday beliefs mirror the patterns they see on screen. When a series consistently portrays certain groups in narrow or stereotypical roles, audiences may come to see those depictions as normal and typical. Over time this can entrench stereotypes and normalize limited representations, making such portrayals seem like an accurate reflection of real life. The theory emphasizes shifts in perception and norm formation rather than rapid social change or no effect, and it focuses on perceptual and attitude impacts rather than a decrease in engagement.