What is Media Psychology? APA Division 46 – Media Psychology

The last half century has seen an explosion Human Experience How do we understand in this new world? of new media

Born to Communicate From early man to present, people have invented ways to communicate and connect

+ Media + psychology = ? Psychology is the study of the how and why of human behavior, emotion, and thought Media includes all forms of mediated communications Media psychology continually evolves as technologies change

Psychological Perspectives There are several different psychological perspectives that influence research topics and and career applications Some important areas are: How we understand information in different media environments How we experience media technologies Social Influences in media content and social networks How media can support positive growth and change

Cognitive Psychology Cognition = the process of thinking and understanding Cognitive Psychology Perception, Language, Attention, Memory, Problem Solving, Decision Making and Judgment, Intelligence Career opportunities:  Usability  Developmental appropriateness of technology and content  Information comprehension  Data visualization  Educational media

Social Influences People are influenced by their interactions with other people, environments, and culture Research areas:  identity development,  learning  cultural influences  persuasion  media violence  stereotypes Career opportunities : media content development and impact  media literacy  health applications r Overt Behavior Environment Individual Factors

Humanistic & Narrative Career Opportunities :  clinical/therapeutic applications of technology,  marketing  brand development  persuasive communications  group behavior/team building  entertainment media  gaming Humanistic : People-centered, holistic, looks at people’s needs and experience Narrative : Looking at the story patterns in life and meaning

Positive Psychology Positive emotions Engagement Promoting strengths–based traits Career Opportunities:  Prosocial messaging, media content, and game design  learning technologies  online curriculum development  motivational tools  usability design  company communications

Developmental Psychology How people grow, change and develop across their lifespan. Research:  identity stages,  life transitions,  relational skills,  physical and psychological changes Career Opportunities:  game design  educational media  accessibility technology and usability  media literacy

What Does a Media Psychologist Do? Combine the knowledge of psychology with the understanding of how media applications work New technologies means more demand for media psychology Designers and producers of media for all distribution channels, from entertainment to corporate training Assessment and evaluation of technology, interfaces, usability, and content Integrating technology into educational curriculums, media literacy education programs, and student support learning and time management tools

Media Psychology is the Future Media revolution leaves no industry, career, country, or process untouched Tools to promote positive media technologies and use can help: People thrive Communities to come together Nations to communicate Change educational and financial opportunities

APA Division 46 for Media Psychology References Anderson, J. R. (1995). Cognitive Psychology and Its Implications. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company. Benjafield, J. G. (2005). History of Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Gardner, H. (1993). Frames of Mind. New York: Basic Books. Giles, D. C. (2003). Media Psychology. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Harris, R. J. (2004). A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication (4th ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Snyder, C. R., & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.). (2005). Handbook of Positive Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Slide show prepared by Dr. Pamela Rutledge, Media Psychology Research Center