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Abstract: This editorial focuses on the popularity of Psychology of Popular Media. Each year, American Psychological Association (APA) journal editors receive a list of most downloaded articles of 2020 and 2021, from roughly 90 APA journals. This editorial includes a listing of the complete citation information for each of these articles published in Psychology of Popular Media. It is noted that Psychology of Popular Media made the top 10 list in both years, having two of the top 10 most downloaded articles on both lists and that the articles are related in some way to body image/appearance and social media. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Previous literature has suggested that social cognition benefits of fiction may be related to emotional investment and imaginative engagement with the narrative. Fanfiction, works written by highly invested fans of existing media franchises, might thus demonstrate themes of social cognition, but no studies have yet systematically contrasted the characteristics of fanfiction with comparable commercial works of literature. The present study compares published, commercial Star Trek novels (n = 363) with works of popular Star Trek fanfiction (n = 500) of similar length using 2 methods of language analysis: Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software and the Meaning Extraction Method. Together, results showed that fanfiction, compared with commercial novels, are characterized by greater prominence of internal character processes (including emotion and cognitive processes) and social relationships (including romantic, familial, and platonic relationships). This study constitutes the largest to-date study on the characteristics of fanfiction and offers insights into how individuals interact with fiction. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 24 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: With the advent of modern technology, the idea of what relationships can be has shifted. This shift has facilitated parasocial relationships, which are characterized by a media viewer’s one-sided relationship to a media figure. The current study examines the relation between identification with different characters in a television show and self-reported measures of personality. Self-report survey data were collected from 829 fans of the television show My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. In this show, the 6 principal characters each embody a positive personality trait (e.g., kindness, loyalty). Participants reported their identification with each of the 6 major characters on the show using the Inclusion of Other in the Self measure and completed personality measures capturing the traits associated with each character. We found that, for most traits, identification with the character that embodied a given personality trait was the strongest predictor of a person scoring high in that trait. Fans of particular characters may tend to exhibit the traits of those characters, whether because they are drawn to characters who resemble themselves or because they modulate their personalities to match characters with whom they identify. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Reports an error in "Using comics and tweets to raise awareness about gender biases in STEM" by Gili Freedman, Melanie C. Green, Geoff Kaufman and Mary Flanagan (Psychology of Popular Media, 2022[Jan], Vol 11[1], 56-67). In the article (https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000313), the supplemental materials link was missing, and the open practices disclosure form was not uploaded as supplemental material. The online version of this article has been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2021-61012-001.) Brief messages on social media have the potential to raise awareness about gender biases in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by reducing defensive reactions. A preregistered study with 436 college students examined the effect of reading tweets with comics versus text-only tweets about gender biases in STEM on perceptions about women in STEM. Participants completed a set of questionnaires before and after seeing a series of comics or text-only tweets. Women, but not men, felt less defensive regarding their views about women in STEM after viewing either type of post. In addition, after reading either type of post, participants viewed the climate for women in STEM as less positive. Finally, women in the comic condition thought that there were more women in STEM after reading the comics, but men’s perceptions did not change in either condition. Thus, the results provide preliminary evidence that comics about women in STEM may be effective at changing women’s perceptions about women in STEM. In addition, the text-only tweets were equally effective as the comics for decreasing women’s defensiveness and altering views about the climate for women in STEM. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1037/ppm0000313) the supplemental materials link was missing and the open practices disclosure fo
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Abstract: Using an experimental methodology, the present study investigated the effect of objectified versus nonobjectified social media photos of Black and White young women on young Black and White people’s attitudes. An aim of the study was to examine whether Black women are penalized for an objectified self-presentation on social media in similar ways as White women. Another aim of the study was to investigate whether the race of the viewer affects attitudes toward targets. Young adults in the United States (n = 402) viewed mock Facebook profiles belonging to Black and White women with either an objectified or a nonobjectified profile photo. They then rated the women’s morality, warmth, competence, and sexual attractiveness. They also reported how much they liked the profiles. Findings indicate that a Black woman was not penalized significantly more than a White woman for an objectified self-presentation on social media. The race of the viewer did not affect perceptions. These results contribute to the small body of research documenting the impact of objectification on Black women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Spoilers are defined as unwanted revelations that give away a plot twist or the ending of a story. Online articles, blogs, and news stories often contain a “spoiler alert” to let people know that plot points are being discussed within. However, previous research on spoilers has produced mixed results; some studies say that spoilers decrease enjoyment (Johnson & Rosenbaum, 2015), whereas others say that spoilers increase enjoyment (Leavitt & Christenfeld, 2011, 2013). The current study seeks to explicate the seemingly complex nature of spoilers from the mood management theory perspective—does engagement with a narrative play a role in whether or not people avoid spoilers' Survey data were used to examine whether the narrative experiences of engagement, hedonic enjoyment, appreciation, suspense, and lasting impression would have an effect on whether someone would avoid spoilers either through in-person interactions or online, or if they would avoid social media altogether to avoid spoilers. In addition, this study examined whether the personality trait fear-of-missing-out would have an effect on someone’s likelihood to avoid spoilers. Through the use of an online convenience sample survey with 200 respondents from varying demographic groups, this study demonstrates that people are likely to avoid spoilers for their favorite TV show to maintain their positive mood. Increased narrative engagement, hedonic enjoyment, appreciation, lasting impression, suspense, and fear-of-missing-out all predicted that people would either avoid spoilers or avoid social media entirely. Implications for theory and viewers are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Alongside positive outcomes associated with social network sites, individuals can experience negative consequences from excessive use. The present research explores the tendency for individuals with nonclinical obsessive–compulsive disorder symptoms to experience greater social media fatigue via fear of missing out and compulsive social media use. In Study 1, 339 participants (Mage = 22.29, SD = 5.64) completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory—Revised, the Bergen Social Networking Addiction Scale, and a social media fatigue measure. In Study 2, 260 participants (Mage = 24.24, SD = 6.79) completed the prior measures in addition to the Fear of Missing Out scale. Individuals with higher levels of obsessive–compulsive disorder symptoms experienced greater fear of missing out, which predicted compulsive social media use, which predicted social media fatigue. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Social media such as Instagram have become extremely popular and part of many people’s daily routine. At the same time, critics see mental health risks, warning that posts can turn into a competition and users become addicted to other users’ feedback (e.g., likes, new followers) to boost their self-esteem. In line with such concerns, Instagram recently started an invisible likes test phase in several countries. The present study relates such claims and interventions to the academic literature and empirical research. We refer to existing concepts and models such as impression management, media addiction, and the uses and gratification approach, considering subjective feedback relevance as a proxy for individually perceived gratification. As a complement to previous research, which typically examined social media feedback in terms of frequency (e.g., number of likes received), our field study among 255 Instagram users surveyed subjective feedback relevance, that is, individual differences in how important one considers other users' feedback in the form of likes or other engagement on Instagram. We explored the relationships between subjective feedback relevance and usage behavior and the correlations between these measures and self-esteem and subjective social status. Low self-esteem and low social status were associated with higher feedback relevance; low social status was further correlated with high engagement in many Instagram activities and choosing to have a public profile. Our study's limitations, future research tasks, and practical implications for well-being-oriented media design are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Despite nearly equal Instagram use rates between men and women, research on the effects of Instagram use on body image has mainly focused on women, and continued research on visual social media is warranted. To fill this gap, we conducted a 2 (image muscularity; high vs. low) × 2 (image sexualization; high vs. low) + 1 (control) between-subjects online experiment among 133 young adult men. Among all participants, we examined the moderating effect of sexual orientation, hypermasculinity, and trait appearance-related social comparison. We considered internalized homophobia among men who did not identify as exclusively heterosexual. Results demonstrated no main or interaction effects of condition on intention to exercise. There was a small but significant main effect of condition on state body image, with scores significantly lower in the muscular/nonsexualized condition in comparison to the control. Further, the effect of exposure to muscular Instagram images was stronger among men higher in trait appearance-related social comparison and among nonheterosexual men higher in internalized homophobia. These results suggest that similar to findings among women, exposure to certain types of Instagram images can have small, negative body image effects on men, which are conditional on individual differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Mass media influences Black identity development by perpetuating negative images and stereotypes about Black people. However, Marvel’s Black Panther gained popular acclaim, as it presented experiences of Black people that disrupted stereotypical tropes. Limited research examines the impact of positive, Black-oriented media on Black identity; thus, the current qualitative study explored the influence of watching Black Panther on the racial identity of 137 Black viewers aged 19 to 63 (67% female; 90% heterosexual) through an online survey. The movie’s influence on participants’ coping strategies for racism and racial discrimination were also explored. Utilizing the multidimensional model of racial identity as a theoretical framework, we constructed 12 subthemes to reflect racial centrality (Blackness as a Spectrum), salience (Essential Representation, In Awe of Blackness), public and private regard (Accepted and Humanized, Appreciation of Black Beauty, Countering Common Stereotypes), and ideology (Troubled by Disconnection, Desire for Community Unity, and Hope Through Resiliency). Participants’ coping strategies varied after watching Black Panther and reflected subthemes of Escape From Current Reality, Hope for the Future, and Inability to Cope. Implications for media, racial identity, and Black psychology are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Extensive research has documented links between sexualized media use and body image concerns. Previous findings are based largely on female adolescents or young adults, although objectification theory predicts changes of body image concerns with age. Therefore, the current study investigated the link of sexualized TV exposure (STE) with self-objectification and consideration of cosmetic surgery within the framework of objectification theory in a sample of 519 female participants between the age of 15 and 72 (M = 39.43 years). Participants completed measures of STE, appearance-ideal internalization, valuing appearance over competence, body surveillance, and consideration of cosmetic surgery. Structural equation modeling revealed that STE was indirectly linked with consideration of cosmetic surgery via valuing appearance over competence and body surveillance. Age was negatively related to internalization, valuing appearance over competence, and body surveillance, but did not moderate the links between STE and body image. Older women scored lower on the body-related variables, but the associations between STE and self-objectification were the same across the age spectrum. STE predicted consideration of cosmetic surgery only for women over 31 years of age. Implications concerning the role of age in linking sexualized media to self-objectification are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: Leximancer identified word frequencies and co-occurrences in thousands of comments on YouTube videos of TV commercials from the 60s and 70s (Study 1) and the 50s–80s (Study 2). Multiple clusters of co-occurring words suggested ontological insecurity (e.g., “old,” “remember,” “love,” “miss”) and nostalgia (e.g., “childhood,” “memories,” “happy,” “best”) as motives for viewing these videos. Leximancer generated samples of comments containing multiple key words from each cluster, and interpretive analyses of the comments in these samples revealed themes of (a) verifying and sharing autobiographical memories with others, (b) denigrating the present and embellishing the lived past, and (c) trying to connect with younger generations. Watching and discussing TV ads from childhood and early adulthood seems to help viewers reestablish continuity of the self over time and the inherent value of their autobiographical past. Exchanging comments with others on social media may restore a sense of ontological security by allowing viewers to verify their lived pasts via exchanges with others who also remember the “good old days.” (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: The question whether parasocial phenomena are developed as a kind of social surrogacy has been much discussed—and mostly answered with “no.” However, former studies focused on amicable parasocial phenomena neglecting romantic facets. To close this research gap, this article investigated the effect of one’s unfulfilled romantic-related needs on romantic parasocial interactions (romantic PSIs) and relationships (romantic PSRs). The first quasi-experiment (N = 96) revealed that singles form stronger romantic PSIs than people that are in a romantic relationship and that the presence of the partner during reception decreased the intensity of romantic PSIs by tendency. The second quasi-experiment (N = 358) investigated the influence of relationship status and satisfaction on long-term romantic PSRs. Again, singles developed stronger romantic PSRs than people that are in a romantic relationship. Furthermore, the more satisfied people were with their current romantic relationship, the less intense romantic PSRs they developed. Briefly summarized, these results add to the social surrogacy hypothesis with regard to romantic parasocial phenomena. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has entirely disrupted college students’ education plans, often their physical location, and it remains elusive when life will return to prepandemic normalcy. The current study examined changing media use patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of these patterns on feelings of concern regarding one’s future and society, and the moderating roles of anxiety and depression in relations. Seventy-four college students (70% female; 55% White, 24% Pell-grant eligible) completed an online survey assessing time spent on TV, social media, and video game use in spring of 2019 (T1) and spring of 2020 (T2). Results revealed TV and video game, but not social media, use increased from T1 to T2, and change in TV use positively predicted an increased concern about society. Further, moderation analyses showed increased social media use raised concern for one’s future at lower levels of anxiety. Change in social media use raised concern for society at higher levels of depression. This study advances our understanding of college students’ interactions with media during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting some types of media may have been used as coping mechanisms with various effects on concern for self and others. Mental health can be salient to these relations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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Abstract: As visual social mediums, Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and Instagram have been examined under the theoretical lenses of social comparison theory and self-discrepancy theory. Guided by self-discrepancy theory and recent work on romantic relationship outcomes and social media usage, this study examined the relationship between the magnitude of actual-ideal self-discrepancies, photo manipulation behaviors on Instagram, Instagram-related relationship conflict, and Instagram-enabled infidelity and dissolution. A total of 264 Instagram users aged 18 to 63 years (M = 21.34, SD = 4.99), predominately female (75%) and Caucasian (60.9%) completed an online survey questionnaire. Analysis of a serial multiple mediator model using bootstrapping methods indicated that the magnitude of participants’ actual-ideal self-discrepancies was sequentially associated with increased Instagram-enabled infidelity and dissolution through increased photo-manipulation behaviors on Instagram and Instagram-related conflict. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in detail. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT
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