Media psychology focuses on the psychology behind media and technology use and impact. It is central to understanding behavior within many disciplines, including, in part, technology; public policy and government; telecommunications; software; education; health care; and entertainment.
The roles of media psychologists continue to evolve as the media landscape becomes more complex and fluid. Based on a 1998 study by Luskin and Friedland, the roles media psychologists include making new technologies more effective and user friendly; using new technology to enhance clinical psychology; working in education or training; developing media standards; working in commercial fields; studying sociological and psychological media effects; developing material for challenged populations; working with deviant or criminal populations; writing or being expert guests in various media; consulting with media personnel; researching ways to improve the media.
The field of media psychology is multidisciplinary and is often integrated with or overlaps other areas of study and programs. This list will continue to grow. If you have suggestions or programs that should be included, please contact us.