Media Effects

Readings consider gender, race, class, and media: reviewing social–scientific evidence demonstrating effects of stereotypical images on audiences; reviewing misrepresentation of people of color on TV news and social media and the impact of such stereotypical news portrayals; showing how media may be used for social good and to uplift people and have positive effects; showing how race, class, and gender can affect people’s optimism about the economy based on how the media present news about the economy; showing how people’s knowledge of Muslims and the Middle East can shape their interpretations of news coverage featuring Muslim women activists; evaluating whether selfie activities are related to girls’ self-objectification, appearance anxiety, and body esteem; and showing how gender and social media use are related to self-esteem and life satisfaction in young adults.