Media Psychology is a new and emerging field, so the early entrants have the excitement and burden of defining the path. What is media psychology? It’s a field with no consensus definition, no clearly-defined career paths, and no easy answers. In spite of that, it can add value anywhere human behavior intersects media technologies. Here’s why: Media technologies are everywhere People of all ages use media technologies a lot Young people use them most Older people worry about younger people Technology is not going away We all worry if this is good or bad or somewhere in-between Psychology is the study of people of all ages Media psychology is using #7 to answer #6 because of #1 through #5 Psychology is key to understanding the implications of technology. Consequently, it seems like it should be pretty straightforward to define media psychology. For some reason, though, it’s not. I have had discussions with colleagues for hours (or at least it seems like … [Read more...]
Media Psychology: No Easy Answers (or Careers)
I frequently get requests for information about how to pursue interests in the field of media psychology. I am always honored to represent the field and share my views and advice. The following is typical of several letters I have received recently. I am currently completing my last year as an undergraduate in psychology. I discovered Media Psychology last year in a Popular Culture course but I have found it very difficult to find ANY postgraduate training in Media Psychology. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction, as I feel that Media Psychology is the next step to my career, but am finding it difficult to get started. I would appreciate any advice. I appreciate the enthusiasm for media psychology. Media psychology is a new field. There are few "official" programs, there are no clearly defined career paths, and there are no easy answers. What is media psychology? Media psychology is the applied study of what happens when people interact with … [Read more...]
