A Brief History of Media Psychology (1.0)

This chapter explores the history and development of media psychology, which the author defines as 1.0 or the “pre-Internet period” when it evolved from being considered by the American Psychological Association (APA) and many professionals as ethically dubious at best, to gaining the widespread professional and public acceptance that made it a bona fide specialty of psychology, resulting in becoming its own APA Division (46). The author notes many of the pioneers of this modality along with his role as both a radio talk-show host and early activist in the media psychology movement. Also explored are some essentials regarding media psychology skills and training, as well as how changes in the nature of the media itself affected practitioners of this specialty, the profession, and the public at large.