Psychology 7.9 Influence of Media on Behavior Flashcards
Ways media effects behavior
Social connections, social comparison and addictive behaviours and information access
media
Forms of information communicated and spread throughout society
Social Connection
The relationships that individuals have with the people around them.
Positive influence of media on social connection
+ More opportunities to form and maintain social relationships, not just physically
+ increased access to support networks and contacts
+ Overcome barriers to socialisation: distance, work commitments, money
+ Group: ability to form communities, events on a larger scale (easier online)
Negative influence of media on social connection
- Individual: Pressure to stay connected and respond, leading to burn out, fatigue Increased
- Fear of missing out (FOMO)
- Group: Increase likelihood of deinviduation
- Reduced face to face contact leading to reduced emotion recognition
- physical detachment from real world interactions
- Decrease self-esteem
Social Comparison:
Humans measuring their self-worth by comparing it to people/situation around them
Upward social comparison:
evaluate ourselves to someone we perceive to be better than we are
- motivates us to improve current ability
Downward social comparison
evaluate ourselves to someone we perceive to be worse than we are.
- makes us feel better about ourself
How Does Media Influence Social Comparison positively
- More confidence/higher self-esteem when someone feels represented in media
- identify if we are ‘on track’
- Motivates self improvement
How Does Media Influence Social Comparison negatively
- Unrealistic beauty standards
- Shows a snapshot, doesn’t provide the whole picture, sets unrealistic standards
- low self esteem
- feelings of inferiority
- feeling socially excluded, FOMO
Addictive Behaviours:
Repetitive, uncontrollable, gratification-seeking, behaviours associated with distress causing interference to everyday life, using a lot of time and effort
Information Access
How easily information can be assessed by people
Positive Influences of Info Access:
- increased cultural and political awareness
- knowledge of global issues
- Quick spread of crucial information e.g. disaster warnings and alerts
- Variety of sources
- Filtered on interest
- Easily accessible, reach wider audience
Negative Influences of Info Access:
- Increased distractions, reduced self-regulation
- Potential negative online interactions – bullying, harassment
- Exposure to inaccurate or misleading information e.g. ‘fake news’
- Potential cybersafety threats – privacy, identity theft
