The Growing Field of Media Psychology

Media is a creative and influential collective method of communication. Today, the world is rapidly becoming more and more technologically advanced with innovation. We have access to a multitude of information and sources all from the comfort of our rooms due to our smartphones, tablets and other technological devices. Many forms of media, from television to the Internet to newspapers, are saturated into our everyday lives.

Media Psychology refers to the psychology that studies the connection human beings have to media, both individually and collectively. Media matters because it is the most prominent source for global and local current events. Media impacts our day to day lives on both a conscious and unconscious level due to the frequency of news we are given access to through sources like social media for example. Humans of all ages and demographics are affected by media as long as they have access to Internet connection. Psychology matters because it is the overall study of human behavior and thought which affects every aspect of our lives.

Media psychology is important to study regularly because of how frequent humans are exposed to significant news and events. Studying media psychology is also important because it gives us awareness of the art of creating positive media as well such as sitcoms, podcasts and other forms of enjoyable media. An overall seasoned understanding of media psychology benefits anyone working in the fields of art, business and communications. As technology advances, so does media. Media was once just newspapers; inked typed on paper. Now, media is news broadcasts, blogs, podcasts, social media and more, in addition to newspaper, that affects all human beings that consume it.

Although the Center for the Digital Humanities does not specialize in psychology, we do, however, utilize digital media and technology to enhance the human experience in the Humanities, similar to how Media Psychology studies the connection of humans to media. Moreover, understanding human beings and how media affects their lives is at the core of what we do.

To see our current media projects, check out our YouTube Channel.