The Hypodermic Syringe Effect

The hypodermic syringe effect also known as hypodermic needle theory implied that the media had a direct, immediate and powerful effect on their audiences. The mass media in the 1940s and 1950s were perceived as a powerful influence on behaviour change. Several factors contributed to this "strong effects" theory of communication, including: the fast rise and popularization of radio and television, the emergence of the persuasion industries, such as advertising and propaganda and Hitler's monopolization of the mass media during WWII to unify the German public behind the Nazi party.

It is also referred to as the "magic bullet" where the media would control the audience when they are targeted. This suggests that the audience is passive and easily influenced by the media to believe what is said in the media even if it is exaggerated.