Final answer:
The statement is true, uses and gratifications research seeks to understand the motivational factors behind people's media usage and the satisfactions gleaned from it.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, uses and gratifications research indeed focuses on the reasons behind individuals' media consumption patterns. It examines why people interact with media and technology in the ways that they do, aiming to understand the gratifications individuals seek and receive from media use. For instance, entertainment is considered a manifest function of media—it provides joy and amusement to people engaging with various forms such as television, movies, or online games. A functionalist view of media might discuss how it serves social purposes, like linking individuals and creating social stability. Contrastingly, those who apply the conflict perspective might focus on the inequalities perpetuated by media and technology access disparities. Symbolic interactionists might interpret the symbolic meanings ascribed to technology and media use in everyday life.