Media Psychology

“The media” is a term that may be used in a wide range of contexts to describe a wide range of technologies, methods of communication, and platforms for distributing information. As media, communications, and related technologies have evolved, a relatively new area of study has emerged to better understand and address the media as it relates to human behavior. This field is known as “media psychology.” 

Since the late 1900s, media psychology has continued to develop as an intersection of various disciplines. Because media and media technology are considered a widespread part of modern life, understanding the field of media psychology may be essential for building an awareness of the mechanisms and implications of modern media for groups and individuals.

Media psychology

One potential challenge of defining media psychology is that the field may deal with various topics, ranging from human psychology and emotions to the implications of interactive media technology and the ways media may influence behavior. 

Definition 

As explained by the APA, media psychologists may include mental health specialists, researchers, educators, and consultants, among others. Understanding the psychology of media may also be a crucial consideration for technology developers, marketers, political figures, news distributors, and professionals in other fields. 

History of media psychology and the study of human behavior

The study of media, technology, and communications related to human behavior has been happening to various degrees since the early 1900s, with emerging technologies like the radio and television drawing different forms of psychological research over time. Fields like marketing and public relations may have existed in certain forms since before the 20th Century, focusing on the effects of media on how people behave. Given the wide variation of professions, technologies, and areas of study that the field may encompass, media psychology research has existed for at least a century. 

However, “media psychology,” as it’s understood and defined today, is considered to have emerged with the foundation of the American Psychological Association’s Division 46: The Society for Media Psychology and Technology. Formed in 1986, this branch of the APA has several areas of focus, including studying the impact of media technology on behavior, promoting technological literacy and the ethical use of media, and understanding the impacts of technology on psychological illness.

Media psychology in professional fields beyond social media

As media and the ways people use it to communicate evolve, the media psychology field may also continue to evolve. However, reviewing several areas of work where knowledge of media psychology has been proposed as a critical factor can be beneficial. 

A 1998 study from the APA’s Division 46 identified several areas of media-related work requiring a substantial understanding of psychology, including: 

• Psychologists working in media (for example, as featured experts, program hosts, writers, or journalists)
• Psychologists acting as consultants for media companies (for example, helping media personalities manage stage fright)
• Those involved in developing media standards (content guidelines, for example)
• Professionals working to advance media technologies 
• Commercial professionals, such as marketers
• Professionals studying the psychological or social effects of media

These psychological fields, among others, were cited in the study as requiring an understanding of how psychology relates to the media. Psychological research is constantly evolving, so older psychology sources may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.

Other fields that may use psychology

Other fields not in the psychology sector that may require an understanding of media psychology can include, but are not limited to:

• Law enforcement professionals
• Educators
• Those working in social media
• User experience and user interface designers
• Those working at nonprofits or in fundraising

These professions, among others, may illustrate the potential relevance of psychology, media, and other factors in a wide range of contexts. 

Mental health and behavior considerations in social media 

Understanding how the media can drive behavior, reactions, and emotions may also be relevant to psychological health. The rapid advancement of media technologies like social media, generative AI, and virtual reality may require ongoing research to understand their impacts on well-being. 

However, psychological research has identified potential links between mental health and how media is presented and consumed. For instance, a 2022 study found an association between levels of exposure to COVID-19-related news via social media and increased symptoms of depression and PTSD. In addition, a 2017 study found a potential link between social media use among young adults and perceived social or psychological isolation. 

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Furthermore, a 2022 study found an association between reduced psychological and physical well-being and “problematic news consumption.” While media psychology research about mental health continues to evolve, studies like these may illustrate how the media can impact well-being. 

Online therapy and further support options 

Speaking with a psychotherapist may be helpful for those experiencing distressing symptoms, concerns about the media and mental health, or a desire to better understand media psychology. Psychotherapy can provide a safe space to explore media as it relates to mental and psychological health, develop strategies for well-being, or work toward a healthier relationship with media and technology. 

However, for those experiencing symptoms of psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it may not be easy to leave the house and commute to a face-to-face psychotherapy appointment. Online psychotherapy platforms like BetterHelp may offer an alternative, allowing clients to attend sessions from wherever is most convenient. The option to send messages to a psychotherapist at any time may also be helpful for those in need of support outside of scheduled psychotherapy sessions. 

Research has found that online psychotherapy may be as effective as in-person psychotherapy for treating psychological illnesses related to media consumption, such as depression and anxiety. For example, a study from 2017 found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) was an effective and cost-effective form of treatment for mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD.