Media Psychology

We consume information from various types of mass media like social media, print media, television, radio, new media and other outlets in order to be updated with the global happenings. Moreover, with the advancement of the internet and technology, the growth and emergence of media are unmissable. But often, individuals are negatively impacted by various information sources. To identify and assess such behaviours, Media Psychologists play a significant role. In this blog, we will highlight the important details relating to building a career in media psychology, top universities and its related components. 

What is Media Psychology?

This specialized area of psychology analyzes the interaction between human behavior and media and technology. Mass media and media content are among the components of media psychology, as well as all forms of mediated communication and technologies in relation to behavior, including use, design, impact, and sharing.

History of Media Psychology

The history of media psychology can be traced back over a century ago. It was first intercepted three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional canvas and applied in The Photoplay: A Psychological Study book in 1916. It was officially recognized in 1986 during Division 46: Media Psychology was established by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the field has been explored since then.

Who is a Media Psychologist & His Role

“What is Digital Media Psychology?” is a common question amongst those who want to explore this new field. There is no consensus definition of the term MP as it is an emerging field of media studies. However, with the term Psychology, we can decipher that it’s a field that involves understanding the mental and behavioural activity of a person. Likewise, a media psychologist is one who does extensive research on human behaviour, cognition and response towards media consumption. They study and establish a relationship between a media source of information(media outlets) and receivers. They understand how the media influences human psychology and in what ways by applying various concepts of Psychology and Media Technology. 

Skills Required to Become a Media Psychologist

In order to establish a flourishing career in this field, an individual needs to possess certain skills. To bring more clarity, here are the qualities needed-

Why We Need Media Psychology

• In terms of job prospects, there are lucrative opportunities in the field of Psychology.
• The candidates will get an in-depth undertsannding of media nature.
• There is a scope for the aspirant in the academia and teaching sector of Psychology in schools and colleges as well
• Candidates having an interest in solving Practical and theoretical problems can choose this as their career
• It also helps people understand correlation and causality

Media Psychology Courses 

Since it is an emerging field, academic institutions often offer this subfield in the form of a minor in Psychology or that in Journalism. However, some universities also offer a full-fledged degree in the same. Moreover, this field is closely related to programs like that in Political Psychology, Immersive Technologies, Neuro Science and NeuroMarketing, Online education, etc. Thus, you can opt for bachelor, masters, or short terms courses in such fields too. Glance through the popular courses of this field-

• BSc/BA Media Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Rhetoric and Political Culture
• MSc Digital Media Psychology
• Master of Arts in Media and Communication Arts
• Master of Science in Mass Communication – Marketing Communication Research
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication, Culture and Media Studies

Media Psychology Syllabus 

• Social Psychology
• Pragmatism and Dissertation
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychology of Media and Politics
• Cognitive Media Theory 
• Theories of Personality
• Psychology of Stress
• Positive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychology of Happiness
• Psychology of Gender
• Learning Styles
• Psychology of Gender
• Psychology of Emotions
• Counselling Psychology

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Media Psychologist

Go through the following pointers to understand entry related requisites-

• For UG Courses: Formal education of 10+2 from a recognized institution
• For PG Courses: A UG degree in the same or related field with minimum marks required
• A good score in IELTS, TOEFL, etc
• LOR and SOP

Since the field of media studies and journalism is exponentially increasing, academic institutions across the globe are now focusing on offering programs that can provide quality education in various facets of the fields. Take a look into prominent universities that are offering a full-time course in this field: 

Universities	Media Psychology Courses
University of Salford	MSc/PGDM/PGCert in Media Psychology
Bath Spa University	BA/BSc [Hons]
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid	Bachelor in Film, Television, and Media Studies
Erasmus University, Rotterdam	MSc Psychology of Digital Media
Bournemouth University	MA in Political Psychology
University of York	MSc Social Media and Interactive Technologies

Apart from the aforementioned Universities, you can also consider the following-

Media Psychology Universities Abroad

• Michigan State University
• Stanford University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Amsterdam
• The London School of Economics and Political Science
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• The Ohio State University
• Cardiff University
• University of Illinois 
• McGill University

Career Scope & Future of Media Psychology

There are diverse media-based companies and agencies that hire media psychologists on handsome packages. Enlisted are some of the areas where graduates who have specialized in MP can work:

Job Opportunities & Salary of a Media Psychologist

• Broadcast Media, which includes television stations, movie centers, radio stations, newspaper outlets, universities, and educational institutions hire media psychologists on lucrative offers.
• Advertisement industries that are growing exponentially also recruit Media Psychologists. 
• Those with doctoral degrees can work in Government based universities and research centers. 
• As a Media Psychologist, you can also work as a Public Relations Officer, media consulting officer, etc. 
• You can work in political parties and other related organisations.
• From films, web, and music to video games, Media Psychologists have a prominent role in the Entertainment industry. They assess various parameters including how the industry is helping individuals relax, enjoy, and engage.

Employment Areas for a Media Psychologist

• Broadcasting companies
• Marketing and advertising firms
• Academic institutions 
• Human services and health care settings
• Government and private research facilities

Media Psychology Books

• Media Psychology by David Giles (Buy Here)
• Psychology of the Media by David Giles (Buy Here)
• The Oxford Handbook of Media Psychology (Buy Here)
• Media Psychology: Exploration and Application by Navin Kumar (Buy Here)
• The Psychology of Social Media by Ciarán Mc Mahon (Buy Here)
• Media Psychology 101by Christopher Ferguson (Buy Here)

Media Psychology Topics

• Communicating the Right Content on the Right Platform
• Best Practices for a Healthy Relationship with Media
• The Influence of Media on Conflict
• Audience Response to Media Content
• Mobile App and Interactive Media Assessment
• Creating a Brand Story
• Health and Media
• Communication via Media
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Media and Attitude Change

Media Psychology in Research and Practice

While many other branches of psychology have more defined career paths, media psychology is still in the early stages of determining its scope and purview. The most obvious goal for someone who investigates the impact of media through the lens of psychology is to become a research psychologist in academia.

Even though it is a new field, there are vast employment opportunities for Media Psychology Graduates. If you want to explore this domain but are unsure about which university to study in then don’t worry. Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who will not only provide assistance in finding the right academic institute but will also help you complete the application process hassle-free!