Understanding Media Psychology, 2nd Edition
by Gayle S. Stever, David C. Giles, J. David Cohen, and Mary E. Myers
Understanding Media Psychology is an authoritative introductory textbook on the growing field of media psychology. Providing an overview of topics in the field, it summarizes key concepts and theories and considers the importance of media psychology in today’s society.
The second edition of this bestselling textbook has been fully updated to reflect the changing landscape of media psychology. The new edition features a brand-new chapter on news and political media, as well as increased focus on AI and new forms of social media. It covers core areas such as positive media psychology, audience research, and the effect of gaming, violence, advertising and pornography, critically engaging with contemporary discussions around propaganda, fake news, deepfakes, and how media and health psychology interacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Written by a team of expert authors, this book will help readers understand the structures, influences, and theories around media psychology. Particular care is also given to addressing the interaction between issues of social justice and the media, as well as the effects media has on both the members of marginalized groups and how those groups are perceived. A student website and instructor resources provide further ways to engage with the content and support teaching and learning.
Containing a range of pedagogical features throughout to aid teaching and student learning, including vocabulary and key terms, discussion questions, and boxed examples, this is an essential resource for media psychology courses at the undergraduate and introductory master’s levels globally.
Second edition available for order starting July 2, 2025
use discount code 25AFLY2* for 20% off
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Media and Media Psychology by Gayle S. Stever
2. Key Theories and Concepts from Media Psychology by Gayle S. Stever
3. Research Methods by Gayle S. Stever, David C. Giles, J. David Cohen
4. Positive Psychology, Moral Reasoning, and Prosocial Behavior by Gayle S. Stever
5. Social Justice and the Media: Gender, Age, Size, and Disability by Gayle S. Stever
6. Social Justice and the Media: Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status by Gayle S. Stever
7. Aliens Eating Reese’s: Media Influence & Advertising by J. David Cohen
8. Propaganda, Fake News, and Deep Fakes by Mary E. Myers
9. Processes of Audience Involvement by Gayle S. Stever, J. David Cohen
10. Dark Media: Violence, Pornography, and Addiction by J. David Cohen
11. Join the Adventure: The Psychology of Gaming by J. David Cohen
12. The Social Nature of Media by Gayle S. Stever
13. Media Psychology and Public Health by J. David Cohen and Gayle S. Stever
14. Artificial Intelligence by Mary E. Myers
15. The Psychology of News and Political Communication by David C. Giles
16. The Future of Media Psychology by David C. Giles
Index