Digital Deconstructions and Research Reconsiderations: A Critical Media Effects Approach to Race in Digital Spaces

Omotayo O. Banjo, Charisse LPree Corsbie-massay, Evan Torner, Srividya R. Amasubramanian, Rhy Ss Taylor

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemChapter

Abstract

Applying the four pillars of the Critical Media Effects framework (i.e., power, intersectionality, context, and agency), this chapter reviews current literature on race and media across different digital platforms and unpacks the ways in which scholars can understand the benefits and constraints of digital environments on the multiple aspects of racial identity. Specifically, we examine how research on racial representation in social media, streaming, and gaming could benefit from taking a critical approach in raising research questions, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions about the performance of race in digital environments. We first explain the distinction of studying digital environments compared to networked and industry produced content. Second, we review the effects scholarship on race and social media, streaming sites, and gaming, and entertain the ways in which critical approaches might fill in the gaps or clarify data interpretation. We conclude that there is a trajectory of media effects toward theoretical inclusivity which moderates how we engage our scholarship on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes of media impact and audience engagement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationUS Media and Diversity
Subtitle of host publicationRepresentation, Dissemination, and Effects
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages139-157
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781040085080
ISBN (Print)9781032590776
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Social Sciences
  • General Business, Management and Accounting

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