Find an Online Psychology Program for You
Featured Online Psychology & Counseling Programs
In other words, Media Psychology focuses on the relationship between human behavior and the media. It studies the interaction between individuals, groups, and technology, and tries to make sense out of this synergy. As recently as 1950, when television was becoming a popular form of entertainment, media psychologists became concerned about children and their enthusiasm of television viewing and the impact, if any, on their reading skills. Later psychologists began studying the impact of violent television viewing on children’s behavior, and if they were more likely to exhibit asocial behavior.
Dr. Sarah Vinson, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, says that media continues to consume an ever-growing part of people’s lives. People, and young people specifically do not have the face-to-face interaction they need in order to learn social skills, and more and more children are having a difficult time interacting with others, which can lead to unsociable behavior.
“With 24-hour news channels, phones, the Internet, and television, young people are simply trying to figure out how they fit into this world, and they look to media for the answer.” Dr. Vinson continues, “This, however, is the new normal. Young people grew up with all of this, and parents are trying to catch up. Even so, we need to limit screen-time, especially if it is filling a void for the child or interfering with face-to-face conversations.”
Studies on the impact of media led to the formation of the APA’s, Division 46, the Media Psychology Division, in 1987. In 2012, the APA’s Media Psychology Division 46 became theAPA Society for Media Psychology and Technology(with their own Facebook page, which seems appropriate). This division is now one of the fastest growing in the APA and has advanced to include new media studies, such as cell phone technology, the Internet, and computer and console gaming.
According to the APA, Division 46, “Media Psychology focuses on the psychology behind media and technology use and impact” – and as media technologies evolve, so will media psychology, and too, the demand for media psychologists.
But, because the field of media psychology is so new and dynamic, career paths are difficult to define. Entrants into this field have both the thrill and the burden of defining its evolution. As each new technology is introduced, media psychology morphs to meet the cognitive and humanistic components of the user’s experience. What psychologists do know is that technologies are everywhere, and people of all ages use technology.
Dr. Pamela Rutledge, PhD, MBA, Director of the Media Psychology Research Center and a professor of media psychology at Fielding Graduate University asks,“What would people prefer, a plate of food that is handed to you, or a buffet? Media offers choices; what technologies we want to use, each with a different level or exploration.”
It’s also important to consider how the expansion of new technologies influences different markets. It’s not surprising that tech-savvy markets, such as Seattle, San Jose, and San Francisco top the list for many new technologies. However, in the past 18 months, cities like Pittsburgh, Miami, and Detroit, saw double-digit gains in smartphone, subscription video-on-demand, and tablet penetration.
Dr. Michael Zito, PhD, and a licensed psychologist in private practice adds,“Advertising a private practice with a professional Facebook page, for instance, is great, but it can also complicate the doctor-patient relationship when a client wants to ‘friend’ you, and for ethical reasons you must say no. Keeping a professional practice and personal life separate is imperative.”
One area that is getting a lot of attention, both positive and negative, is video gaming. Psychologists have varying viewpoints, but all agree that gaming is absolutely having an impact on children, teenagers, young adults, and even people well into their 70’s.
As far back as 1940, video gaming was challenging players with games like chess, tennis, and blackjack, and even US military wargaming. Then, in the early 1990’s, real-life strategy games and first-person shooting games, like Doom and Mortal Kombat prompted US Senate hearings on video game violence. In early 2000, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) gaming took hold, with World of Warcraft (among others). As MMO gaming creates virtual universes, it redefined how gamers play, learn, and even relate to each other. Mobile games like Farmville and Angry Birds played on platforms like Facebook and iPhones, saw millions of people who had not previously considered themselves gamers, burning time at work, on the road, and at home.
The controversy about game violence, bloodshed, and the fact that gamers spend hours playing games not only riles the video game industry but parents and psychologists alike have raised questions about the potential for violence, since the gamer is an active participant and not merely a viewer, as with television.
While this is true, there are often two sides regarding the impact of video gaming, and both are valid. Dr. Rutledge, who is theDirector of Media Psychology Research Center, says there are any number of news stories about people connecting through social media that culminates in a crime. However, much of the time the story in the news isn’t about the crime, it’s about the fact the perpetrators played video games.“We skirt around the real story and focus on the media instead, which is not always reflective of the larger picture.”
Although some studies have shown an increase in violent tendencies in children and an increase in violent behavior, other studies have debunked these claims. But, as more than 90-percent of all US children regularly play video games (in some form) and 97-percent of youths, ages 12-17, the question remains – are video games good, bad, or a mix of good and bad?
Notwithstanding, you only have to look at the evening news or other late-night television show to understand that video games are not the only, or even primary factor contributing to this desensitization, or to youth violence. TheNational Television Violence Study, a three-year assessment of more than 3,000 programs a year, found that a steady 60-percent of programs across twenty-six channels contain some physical aggression.
On a more positive note, video gaming does have its benefits. Dr. Pamela Rutledge asserts that there are many benefits for people who are shy or withdrawn. Gaming, as well as all social media, allows people to connect with other people around the world. Media can add creativity to our thinking, and it allows us to explore and become actively involved without the fear of rejection. And while no one advocates spending hour after hour gaming, games can improve a person’s’ self-efficacy, boost their cognitive flexibility and self-control, and build social connections.
Psychology of Facebook and other Social Media
Over the past ten years, Facebook has become one of the most popular online sites ever, suggesting that it offers things we naturally crave – acceptance and companionship. And on the surface, that may be true. However, just like with any other online frenzy, Facebook can (and often does) invoke psychological issues, many of which may go unnoticed for weeks, months or years.
A recent studyfound that heavy Facebook users experience a decrease in subjective well-being over time. Many users become depressed with their lack of success, or they may envy a friend’s successes more. Maybe one person’s Facebook profile doesn’t have as many likes or followers, and so they feel inadequate or unequal. Some people become jealous of others, unhappy with their current circumstances, and ultimately fall into an on-going depression.
But, Facebook can become addictive. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) now includes a diagnosis that has stirred recent controversy: a series of items that gauge Internet Addiction. One of those “items” is Facebook, leading to the creation of a Facebook addiction scale:
Ironically, the DSM-5 has a Facebook page with over 188,500 likes as of the publishing of this article!
Yet,Dr. Joanne Broder Sumerson, PhD, research psychologist and author, and also the new President Elect for Div. 46 of the APA, believes we’ve gotten smarter about what we post to Facebook.“Years ago people posted everything. Because it was so new, there was no filter on what was said, or what photos we posted. Today, there is an increased awareness of our online identities.”
As a footnote, Facebook is not the only form of social media that draws people in like a magnet. Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and many other such sites entice us to keep coming back for entertainment, relaxation, social interaction, and more.
Rachel Ritlop, M.Ed, Career and Business Coach, holds a Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. She asserts that there are three big reasons why social media is all-consuming:
Dr. Michael Zito, PhD, and licensed psychologist in private practice says that the 1970’s spurred an era of self-entitlement rather than self-esteem, and social media fueled this point of view.“Many people use social media for self-gratification, expecting grand rewards for very little effort. For example, trophies are given to young people for simply participating in a team sport. They no longer have to come in first to receive an award. But, there can’t be 12-best kids on a team of 12. It’s mathematically impossible. It’s the same for social media. We can’t all be special all the time.”
Another aspect of social media that has raised the eyebrows of more than one parent is the sharing of personal information and inappropriate photos. Acomprehensive research studyon social media answers why people share, reveals the primary motivations for sharing, and the impact of sharing for individuals, as well as for businesses.
“Sometimes there seems to be such a lack of awareness,”Dr. Sumerson acknowledges,“and no immediate consequences for our actions. That said, I do think things are getting better, overall. People are becoming more and more aware that there are indeed consequences. There have been repercussions, for instance, when people post embarrassing photos on Facebook. Today, employers are logging into social media sites and viewing potential employees profiles, which has helped to transform social media. But as with every new thing, it just takes time to acclimate and gain awareness of our actions.”
Kelley Kitley, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker in private practice puts it this way, “Sharing though media is like a photo album, you don’t put embarrassing photos into an album you plan to share with others.”
CHECK OUT:
Kelley Kitley, LCSW, a psychotherapist and licensed social worker contends,“Media is like ‘freedom of speech,’ it gives you a platform to say what’s on your mind, but it can also have unintended repercussions.”
How the Exposure to Negative Media Influences our Behavior
Psychologists have also noted that this exposure to graphic violence, and to negative media can either cause an over-sensitization, where we become more sensitive and pessimistic or can lead to desensitization, in which we are actually numb to the effects of violence. (As mentioned, this has also been observed in those who have been repeatedly exposed to violent video games).
Unfortunately, this pessimism can lead us to ignore the many things that are positive in the media, and in the world. We only have to look at the many upbeat posts from friends and family on Facebook, the news story about a hero that pulled a young woman from a burning car, or a Tweet about a new cure for AIDS to know that the quality of life for millions of people has actually improved – despite what the headlines suggest.
The Future
There is no doubt that media and psychology have made major contributions to our society in the past century. And although still in its infancy, Media Psychology continues to tap into the potential for use in areas, such as science, business, entertainment, advocacy, public policy and much more. Understanding the relationship – both dynamic and interactive – between media and society is key to its further development, and its positive) influence in our lives.
As media psychologists continue to study the phenomenon of media, the implications of media persuasion, how media influences our interpretation of information, our development, and our differences, we will begin to better understand how to use and develop technologies to communicate, connect, interact, discuss, and discover new things. As the field of media psychology changes each time there is an update to a mobile app, psychologists must not only look at the work that has been accomplished, but must also look at the work that needs to be done going forward.
As Dr. Kelley Kitley so aptly says,“It’s amazing what can be accomplished through media. The possibilities are endless. Find a niche and be passionate about it. Get out there and change the stigmas of media and the stigmas that are born from media.”
Learn more about amedia psychology degreeandhow to become a media psychologist.
Related ArticlesThe Psychology of Media CensorshipEmployment Outlook & Career Guidance for Media Psychologists10 Must Take Psychology Professors in Washington, D.C.What is a BA in Psychology?The Mind-Boosting Effects of Exercise: How 30 Minutes Can Improve Your Mental HealthI Majored in Psychology - Now What?Expert Advice: Cures for the College Blues
Related Articles
Related CareersMedia Psychology CareersEngineering Psychology CareersCareers in Cognitive NeuroscienceGeriatric Psychology CareersCultural Psychology Careers
Related Careers
