media effects – Page 3 – Communication Studies

Exposure to Mass Media Improves Diet [Study]

February 1, 2012 coms 1

Television’s bad influence on viewers’ eating habits has long been a source of concern for health experts and parents. However, a new study by researchers in Italy shows that the more exposure to newspapers, television and the Internet people have, the healthier they eat. The study found that the more participants used television, newspapers and the Internet as a source of information, the more closely they adhered to a traditional Mediterranean diet.

The Age of Self-Importance

January 20, 2012 coms 1

Generation Y members — also known as Generation Me, millennials, and echoboomers — were born between 1982 and 2002, and are seen by many as over self-entitled whiners who believe they deserve at least a B for showing up to class, and a trophy for simply participating in events. Hara Estroff Marano, editor of Psychology Today, calls them “a nation of wimps.”

Fotoshop by Adobé Makes Fun of Media Beauty Standards [Video]

January 17, 2012 coms 0

We have all observed the unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards that modern media highlights. Through the commercials like those of Dove and other documentaries we have come to realize that those levels of beauty are only made possible by vast amounts of makeup and computer editing. In this video, we get a chance to laugh at these processes with concepts.

Sexist, Sexy Heroes Invade Comic Book Pages [Study]

December 22, 2011 coms 0

Many of the products aimed at holiday shoppers this year are inspired by popular comic books. Most of these items, including toys, games, accessories and clothing, feature superheroes with names that parents will recognize from their own childhoods. According to new research from the University of Cambridge, however, these familiar characters may bear little resemblance to the wholesome heroes whose adventures filled the comic books of a generation ago.

In the Media, Protests More Influential than Presidents [Study]

November 17, 2011 coms 0

A new study out of Michigan State University shows that greater media coverage of Washington politicians does not translate into greater influence on the public. Americans are much more likely to respond to stories of political grassroots efforts led by average citizens, even though such stories are few compared to those chronicling congressional debates and speeches.

The Effect of Sexualized Lyrics on Adolescents [Study]

September 17, 2011 coms 0

The effects certain aspects of culture on children has been a subject of study for a number of years, and the effects of sexualized musical lyrics on adolescents is of particular concern. Researchers from Brigham Young University are examining the growing trend of including distinct explicit sexual lyrics in popular music. The journal, Sexuality & Culture, has published the results online to help educators develop plans to promote appropriate sexual development in today’s youth.

Fame Emphasized in Popular TV Shows, Say Psychologists [Study]

September 2, 2011 coms 1

Every January, a highly advertised event occurs in the U.S.: a new season of the hit reality TV series “American Idol” begins. On the show, hundreds of teens and young adults compete for a chance to sing before a national audience and possibly earn a record deal. Since its inception, the show has become the highest rated in the history of television, with more votes cast for the performers per season than for the nation’s president. Cue the lights, camera and—psychologists say—the skewed lesson on human values.

Viewing Idealized Body Images Temporarily Increases Personal Body Satisfaction [Study]

July 27, 2011 coms 0

A recent study suggests that viewing ideal female body types can initially provide improved body image satisfaction. However, some notable behavior changes occurred in the women reporting significant increases in body image satisfaction: These participants made dietary alterations during the course of the study, including methods such as decreasing carbohydrate intake and meal skipping.

Sex and the City Characters Influence Interpersonal Communication About Sexual Health

June 14, 2011 coms 0

“What would Samantha and Miranda do?” New research suggests that may be the question viewers of HBO’s Sex and the City may be asking themselves when it comes to discussing sexual health issues with partners.

Male and Female Rappers Have Two Different Perspectives About the Definition of the “Independent Woman”

June 8, 2011 coms 0

Male and female rappers have two different perspectives about what defines an “independent woman.” While male rappers see this type of woman as one who can pay her own bills and is educated, female rappers see “her” as someone with sexual prowess.