social-media – The Society for Communications Research

By: Jennyfer Lopez Ramirez, Leah Humphrey, Lily Holman, and Sofia Vargas

The dissertation titled “Hidden Power: Journalistic Representations of Mental Health Labels” by Elise Anguizola Assaf analyzes how mental health is portrayed in online newspaper articles, focusing on three major U.S. newspapers: The Washington Post, The New York Times, and USA Today. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Assaf examines the language and framing methods used in 33 articles published over six months in 2018. Her work explores how media narratives often align with a medical model, emphasizing terms and connotations that reinforce mental health as a biological or medical issue, which may perpetuate stereotypes and marginalized individuals labeled with mental health conditions.

Key findings include:

Dominant Use of Medical Framing: Most articles apply a medical model, often casting mental health in terms of illness, treatment, and pathology, thereby reinforcing stigmatized views.
Power and Source Bias: The majority of articles rely on law enforcement and legal sources for causality and authority, which often leads to depictions of individuals with mental health conditions as potential aggressors.
Overlexicalization and Connotation: The frequent use of formal, medicalized language impacts readers’ perceptions by highlighting mental health conditions in terms of risk or criminality, often neglecting social or recovery-focused narratives.

This study ultimately argues for a more nuanced approach in journalistic practice, where mental health stories incorporate balanced and humanizing language and perspectives, and proposes recommendations for shifting from stigmatizing discourse.

Q1: How do you think the lack of tone indication or context in social media can lead to negative mental health effects?

A: Professor Assaf explained there are two sides of social media in terms of the content that audience members are getting. There is the visual and the text that they are reading. With the visual components, tone can come across more clearly. Whereas things that are written can be difficult for an audience member to understand the tone that is intended. There can be problems that occur such as not knowing if the person is mad or funny, we are not always sure how the message is going to come across to the reader. Social media tends to be much more stagnant, she explains that unlike in a text where we can ask for clarification over social media it is almost a one way communication because there is less fluidity back and forth. This issue can affect mental health because people can let that concern, of not understanding the language they are reading, make them uncomfortable and there is not outlet for them to go back and communicate for clarification.

Q2: How did you ensure the validity and reliability of your data?

A: During the long process of writing her dissertation, she had a committee and a chair which allowed for conversations to review and assist on some of the data she was working on. There were multiple sets of eyes going over the data to make sure her findings were reliable. She also conducted a pilot study along with another peer researcher and they agreed to be eachothers second pair of eyes and review each other’s research. During this pilot study her peer selected a random sample of 10% of the data and analyzed it with the codes. Then they went back together and matched the data to confirm they were both coding the information in the same way to improve reliability. She also made sure her newspaper sources had enough variety to confirm her data. She chose an east cast, west coast and middle america publication to ensure she covered the whole country.

Q3: With a topic as nuanced as mental health, how did you ensure that your personal perspectives didn’t influence the interpretation of your findings?

A: Assaf explained she is very up front with her personal experiences with mental health and it did affect her research to an extent. She explained in qualitative research it is very important to acknowledge your bias and the lens you see and process this information through. In her dissertation there are two pages dedicated to why the topic is important to her which tied into how she will read and process the data. She mentioned in qualitative research it is important to communicate those biases to the reader up front so the readers understand what could impact the analysis within that study.

Q4: What did you find the most challenging in the research process?

A: Professor Assaf shared that the most challenging part of her research process was managing feedback from her committee. She explained that having a committee of three meant navigating multiple opinions and expectations, which could be frustrating and sometimes delayed her progress. However, she acknowledged that their input helped her grow as a researcher and ultimately strengthened her work, despite moments of struggle. She mentioned that the same challenge arose when submitting work to journals and conferences, where reviewer feedback ranged from outright rejection to conditional acceptance with required changes. This ongoing back-and-forth with reviewers had both positive impacts on her research and tested her resilience throughout the process.

Q5: Do you feel like the more you grow as a researcher it’s able to balance out or is this the life as a researcher?

A: Professor Assaf believes that challenges in research—particularly those stemming from reviewer feedback and blind review processes—are an inherent part of a researcher’s life. She shared an example from a study she conducted with her colleague, Doug Swanson, where they had to anonymize his name in citations to meet the requirements of a blind review. Ironically, a reviewer then recommended they cite Doug Swanson’s work, not realizing he was a co-author. This experience highlighted for her how, in research, if one challenge is resolved, another often arises, reflecting the ongoing, sometimes ironic, nature of the process.

Q6: Looking back, is there anything you would’ve done differently in the research process?

A: Professor Assaf reflected that, overall, she feels confident in the strength of her study and doesn’t have significant regrets. She mentioned that, in retrospect, she might have preferred including publications like the LA Times and a Midwest newspaper, in addition to the NY Times, to capture a broader geographical representation. However, she didn’t feel strongly enough about this preference to pursue a follow-up study, as she moved on to other research areas.

The qualitative research done by Professor Assaf focuses on the stigma of negativity in the media. Assaf talks about how direct messages and content are targeted towards an individual, whether from a post or direct messages. She then explains how negative content can directly impact them more when they do not have an outlet to fact-check where information comes from. Journalists also use mental health and framing in their media, this creates different interpretations of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.

When asked about bias during this research, Assaf stated that “it’s really important to acknowledge your bias” and how it affects you during the process. In her dissertation, she explains why this topic is important and how it impacts her. It is also important to process the lens through which this information is given because that shapes the view of the message to the person reading. By Focusing on the nuances of language, qualitative data really shows the power journalists and reporters have on society.

Professor Assaf’s advice:

Professor Assaf advised choosing a research topic that genuinely interests you, as this can make the long process of research more fulfilling and manageable. She noted that while a semester-long project may only need a few months of dedication, longer-term research can span years with frequent adjustments and revisions. To prevent burnout, she emphasized picking a topic that won’t become burdensome over time. Assaf also recommended thoroughly researching the topic in advance. She reflected on her own experience as a student, explaining that having a wealth of sources not only strengthens a paper but also makes it easier to write, as you won’t struggle to meet page requirements when you have a strong foundation of information.

By Camren Willis, Lorena Galindo, and Chester Clark

As streaming platforms continue to disrupt traditional media, understanding their impact on TV viewership has become a key area of interest in communication studies. Our team interviewed Cerise Valenzuela Metcalf, a communications scholar, to discuss her perspective on this cultural shift. Our conversation focused on how streaming services are reshaping ratings, viewer demographics, and strategies for attracting and retaining audiences across generations.

MORE

Breaking Down the Impact of Streaming Platforms

We began by asking Cerise about the overall impact of streaming on traditional TV ratings and revenue. Although this isn’t her primary research area, Cerise shared insightful perspectives on why streaming has taken such a strong hold over traditional viewing methods. With streaming platforms offering on-demand, customizable content, audiences have shifted away from scheduled programming. This shift impacts long-established networks, like NBC, which must now compete with highly tailored and easily accessible alternatives.

“If your goal is to gain viewership, but someone can stream an event or show on demand, possibly for free, they’re less likely to turn to traditional television.” – Cerise

Cerise pointed out that, unlike traditional TV, streaming platforms use algorithms to deliver content specific to viewers’ preferences. This capability gives streaming an edge, as viewers get exactly what they want without sifting through programming that may not interest them.

Examining the Generational Divide

When asked about demographics, Cerise emphasized a clear divide: younger audiences are gravitating towards streaming, while older generations still favor traditional TV. However, this trend is not solely based on age; it also involves familiarity with technology. She highlighted that those in their twenties and thirties, and even viewers up to their sixties, often find streaming easier and more convenient. In contrast, seniors might hesitate to use newer technology or need assistance in navigating streaming services.

“We live on our phones, but an older person is more likely to stick with traditional TV, where things are familiar.” – Cerise

Cerise added that younger audiences generally have higher expectations for ease of access and are more likely to explore a range of streaming services. Older viewers, however, tend to stay loyal to traditional formats that align with their viewing habits and values, like scheduled news broadcasts or printed newspapers.

Strategies for Viewer Retention and Marketing

This generational divide prompted a discussion on how streaming platforms approach marketing. Cerise shared that streaming companies must strategize carefully to retain loyal viewers across demographics. For younger viewers, platforms rely on social media marketing, while for older demographics, simpler interfaces and traditional ads may be more effective. Simplifying access is key to attracting older audiences who may not be as comfortable with technology but are open to exploring new viewing options.

“Marketing on both social media and traditional TV can help streaming providers appeal to different age groups. By making their platforms easy to access, they can gain more loyal viewers.” – Cerise

Cerise’s point underscores the importance of multi-channel marketing strategies. Streaming platforms not only capture new viewers but also cultivate long-term loyalty by continually evolving and appealing to both tech-savvy and traditional audiences.

Exploring Methods for Researching Audience Trends

As we moved to more practical questions, we asked Cerise how we could analyze the shift from traditional TV to streaming. Since streaming platforms often keep their viewership data private, she recommended some alternative research approaches. One suggestion was to conduct surveys or polls among college students or on professional sites like LinkedIn. These surveys could reveal generational preferences and viewing habits, allowing researchers to build a picture of the shifting media landscape.

“You might consider reaching out to the alumni network. Former students in the communications field, especially those in marketing or analytics, could offer firsthand insights into viewer data.” – Cerise

This advice to use the alumni network for research speaks to the value of connecting with industry professionals who might share useful, albeit informal, insights on audience metrics.

Leveraging Alumni Networks and University Resources

Cerise also mentioned that universities often maintain strong alumni networks, a valuable resource for researchers in fields where data is difficult to obtain. Students can reach out to alumni working at media companies or in audience analytics roles to gather insights on streaming and traditional viewership trends. For instance, Cal State Fullerton’s alumni network could connect students with graduates in roles at major networks like CBS or digital media companies.

“Sometimes it’s flattering for industry professionals to receive outreach from students who are genuinely interested in their work and experiences.” – Cerise

Cerise also recommended the use of university library resources, such as peer-reviewed journals that analyze shifts in media consumption. Through these sources, students can access existing research and perhaps identify new areas for exploration.

Conclusion: A Changing Media Landscape

Our discussion with Cerise Valenzuela Metcalf highlighted the profound impact streaming platforms have on traditional television. Her insights brought attention to the advantages of streaming’s tailored approach, the challenges facing traditional TV networks, and the ways in which audiences of all ages are adjusting to new content delivery methods. By adopting multi-channel marketing strategies and engaging alumni networks, researchers and students alike can delve deeper into understanding this shift.

This team project allowed us to combine insights from our conversation with Cerise with practical research methods, all aimed at uncovering the nuances of viewership in a digital age.

Our Interview With Cerise Metzger