Perceived norms have long been a central concept in many social psychology models of a wide range of behaviors and beliefs relating to health, politics (e.g., polarization), identity, and relationships. Media exposure through film, television, social media, and the internet allow individuals and organizations to observe a wide range of opinions and behaviors, influencing people's perceptions of what is thought of as normal or average within various groups. Considering the ways in which media use informs perceptions of social norms is particularly important given the shift away from a traditional, unified media diet (e.g., television) to include a more fragmented media environment (e.g., TikTok and YouTube).
We invite authors to contribute original research articles to this Research Topic to examine the implications of online media use for perceptions of social norms and subsequent beliefs or behaviors. We welcome original research articles, reviews of literature, and articles that consider the methodological challenges of such research.
We are particularly interested in research relating to how norm perceptions are shaped by interactions and content on emerging media technologies (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, streaming video platforms) and/or relating to Covid-19 disruptions and online media use. For example, how do the social worlds depicted in emerging media environments shape perceived norms and influence attitudes, opinions, and behavior? How are such norms influenced by features of media environments (e.g., recommendation algorithms, social endorsement cues)? How do users perceive, navigate, and respond to these environments?
Additionally, the Covid-19 global pandemic altered social contexts in which people interact and observe others’ behavior. Many in-person encounters with individuals or groups – in the workplace, in school, and in social life – have become mediated encounters. In some cases, such changes are likely temporary and will fade as behavior gradually returns to a pre-pandemic baseline. In other cases, disruptions may have lasting effects on social contexts. How might these disruptions affect perceived norms?
Perceived norms have long been a central concept in many social psychology models of a wide range of behaviors and beliefs relating to health, politics (e.g., polarization), identity, and relationships. Media exposure through film, television, social media, and the internet allow individuals and organizations to observe a wide range of opinions and behaviors, influencing people's perceptions of what is thought of as normal or average within various groups. Considering the ways in which media use informs perceptions of social norms is particularly important given the shift away from a traditional, unified media diet (e.g., television) to include a more fragmented media environment (e.g., TikTok and YouTube).
We invite authors to contribute original research articles to this Research Topic to examine the implications of online media use for perceptions of social norms and subsequent beliefs or behaviors. We welcome original research articles, reviews of literature, and articles that consider the methodological challenges of such research.
We are particularly interested in research relating to how norm perceptions are shaped by interactions and content on emerging media technologies (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, streaming video platforms) and/or relating to Covid-19 disruptions and online media use. For example, how do the social worlds depicted in emerging media environments shape perceived norms and influence attitudes, opinions, and behavior? How are such norms influenced by features of media environments (e.g., recommendation algorithms, social endorsement cues)? How do users perceive, navigate, and respond to these environments?
Additionally, the Covid-19 global pandemic altered social contexts in which people interact and observe others’ behavior. Many in-person encounters with individuals or groups – in the workplace, in school, and in social life – have become mediated encounters. In some cases, such changes are likely temporary and will fade as behavior gradually returns to a pre-pandemic baseline. In other cases, disruptions may have lasting effects on social contexts. How might these disruptions affect perceived norms?
