Matea Mustafaj

Matea's interests are broadly centered around how media narratives (particularly those produced and consumed for entertainment) can communicate overarching ideas that are embedded within a culture and, in some cases, act as a key source from which to learn about the world and the people in it. She's generally interested in how stories in entertainment media can help to create positive social change at the individual and societal level, especially as it relates to perceptions of marginalized groups in the US. Her current projects examine the potential points of resistance to the positive influence of counter-stereotypical characters facilitated by both the technological environment in which people are exposed to entertainment content as well as individual differences in processing based on existing beliefs. 

Field(s) of Study

• • Media Psychology
  • Narrative Influence 
  • Social Cognitions
  • Media Selection
  • Stereotypes and Representation
  • Media and Wellbeing