Media Use and the Development of Racial and Ethnic Identities

Abstract

This entry is an introduction to the relationship between media use and the development of racial and ethnic identities. First, an overview is provided of the uses and gratifications approach to understanding the active and conscious selection and avoidance of media by individuals to help meet social identity needs. Second, media identification and social comparison are discussed in relation to self-concept and stereotype threat for individuals who identify as a racial or ethnic minority. Third, priming theory is utilized to explain how media use activates racial and ethnic stereotypes that may influence perceptions of racial and ethnic in groups and out groups. Last, social categorization explains how perceptual bias comes into play when individuals interact with media relevant to racial or ethnic identity. In sum, media use offers information salient to race and ethnicity that individuals may incorporate into their self-concept.