Identifying With the "Other" Through Digital Media: Facilitating Positive Intergroup Contact

• In Event: Top Papers in Intergroup Communication: Advances in Theorizing and Measuring Intergroup Contact

Abstract

Prejudice between groups of people remains prominent and an intergroup perspective provides insights into how and why these biases occur and how intergroup contact can potentially ameliorate these negative out-group attitudes. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of various digital media to facilitate positive intergroup contact in order to reduce these negative outcomes. The study examines the predictive role of the media dimensions from Harwood’s (2010) Contact Space Model in facilitating attitude and behavior change, and adds to the growing research on the potential positive effects of video game play. Results of the experiment indicated that playing a video game, reading an online text, or watching an online video all improved prejudicial attitudes. Results also revealed that the contact space dimensions of self-involvement, identification and richness were indicative of a greater change in prejudice.

Authors

• Chad Wertley, U of Nebraska

• Jordan E. Soliz, U of Nebraska