The book critically examines research from cognitive, social, developmental, biological, and evolutionary approaches to psychology and addresses the interplay between media consumption and viewer behavior in such realms as advertising, body image, sex, and violence. Distinguished by its examination of research from a scientifically objective position, the book offers students not only current knowledge of media psychology but also the tools to challenge commonly held assumptions from popular advocacy and ideology.

Table of Contents

• About the Author
• Preface
• Chapter 1 Society and Media Through History
• Chapter 2 Theories and Methods of 
Media Effects
• Chapter 3 Advertising Effects
• Chapter 4 The Boob Tube: Media and Academic Achievement
• Chapter 5 Media Addiction
• Chapter 6 Banned Books
• Chapter 7 Media and Body Dissatisfaction
• Chapter 8 Media and Teen Sexual Behavior
• Chapter 9 Race and the Media
• Chapter 10 Crime in the News
• Chapter 11 Television/Movie Violence Research
• Chapter 12 Video Game Violence Research
• Chapter 13 Pornography
• Chapter 14 Social Media
• Chapter 15 Now What?