Psychology of Popular Media
Scope & Guideline
Revealing the Psychological Underpinnings of Media Consumption
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Media Effects on Mental Health:
Researching how different media types, including social media, television, and video games, influence mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. - Identity and Representation:
Examining how representation in media affects identity formation and social perceptions, particularly among marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ communities. - Parasocial Relationships:
Investigating the nature and implications of parasocial relationships between audiences and media figures, including the emotional and psychological effects of these connections. - Cultural and Social Norms:
Analyzing how media content shapes and reflects cultural and social norms, including gender roles, body image ideals, and racial stereotypes. - Interactive Media Engagement:
Studying the effects of interactive media, such as video games and virtual reality, on user engagement, emotional responses, and social behaviors. - Misinformation and Media Literacy:
Exploring the impact of misinformation in media and the importance of media literacy in navigating digital landscapes.
Trending and Emerging
- Mental Health and Social Media:
An increasing focus on how social media use correlates with mental health outcomes, particularly among youth, reflects growing societal concerns about digital well-being. - Diversity and Inclusion in Media Representation:
Research emphasizing the importance of diverse and inclusive representation in media, particularly regarding race, gender, and sexual orientation, is gaining prominence. - Impact of Interactive Technologies:
The exploration of virtual reality and gaming as tools for social interaction and their psychological effects is becoming a prominent theme, indicating a shift towards immersive media experiences. - Coping Mechanisms and Media Consumption:
Studies examining how media serves as a coping mechanism during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have emerged, highlighting the role of media in emotional regulation. - Misinformation and Belief Formation:
The analysis of misinformation dissemination through social media, especially during significant events, is increasingly relevant, focusing on how beliefs are formed and challenged.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Media Critique:
There has been a noticeable shift away from critiques of traditional media formats such as television and film, as newer forms of media gain more attention and relevance in research. - Violence in Media:
Research on media violence and its effects has seen a decline, possibly due to growing interest in more nuanced psychological impacts of media, such as emotional engagement and identity. - Gender Stereotypes in Media:
While still relevant, the frequency of studies focusing solely on gender stereotypes in media appears to be waning, as discussions have evolved to encompass a broader range of identity factors. - Celebrity Culture:
Research specifically targeting celebrity culture and its psychological effects has shown a decrease, indicating a potential shift towards a more generalized understanding of media influence. - Nostalgia in Media Consumption:
The exploration of nostalgia as a theme in media consumption has lessened, possibly due to the emergence of more immediate concerns related to current media impacts.
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