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Media stereotypes, prejudice, and preference-based reinforcement: toward the dynamic of self-reinforcing effects by integrating audience selectivity.
- Source :
-
Journal of Communication . Oct2023, Vol. 73 Issue 5, p463-475. 13p. 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 1 Graph. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- The media portray various social groups stereotypically, and studying the effects of these portrayals on prejudice is paramount. Yet, audience selectivity—inherent within today's high-choice media environments—has largely been disregarded. Relatedly, the predominance of forced-exposure designs is a source of concern. This article proposes the integration of audience selectivity into media stereotype effects research. Study 1 (N = 1,166) indicated that prejudiced individuals tended to approach prejudice-consistent stereotypical news and avoid prejudice-challenging counter-stereotypical news. Using a forced-exposure experiment, study 2 (N = 380) showed detrimental effects of prejudice-consistent news and beneficial effects of prejudice-challenging news. Relying on a self-selected exposure paradigm, study 3 (N = 1,149) provided evidence for preference-based reinforcement. Study 4's "net-effect perspective" (N = 937) indicated that operationalizing exposure as forced or self-selected can lead to different interpretations of actual societal effects. The findings emphasize the key role played by audience selectivity when studying media effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00219916
- Volume :
- 73
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Communication
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 172895872
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqad019