ABSTRACT
Scholarship in media psychology has often examined the variety of harms that media consumption can have on individuals and society, including increased aggression, stereotyping, health problems, and misplaced values such as materialism. We recognize the importance of examining these negative effects, as doing so may provide a means by which we may work toward reducing or illuminating the deleterious outcomes associated with media use. At the same time, however, we also note a growing body of scholarship that recognizes the positive sides of media consumption, including the use of media for purposes of enhancing feelings of purpose and meaningfulness, of creating a greater recognition of connectedness with others, for heightening compassion for individuals who may be oppressed or stigmatized, and for increasing motivations for altruism or social good. Our chapter will provide an overview of the importance of evolving scholarship in positive media psychology by illustrating its relevance across a host of media formats, including television, film, news and journalism, and games. We will then turn our attention to newer media formats, outlining the ways in which positive media may be realized in formats such as mobile communication, social media, and user-generated content.
