From smartphones to social media, from streaming videos to fitness bands, our devices bring us information and entertainment all day long, forming an intimate part of our lives. Their ubiquity represents a major shift in human experience, and although we often hold our devices dear, we do not always fully appreciate how their nearly constant presence can influence our lives for better and for worse. In this second edition of How Fantasy Becomes Reality, social psychologist Karen E. Dill-Shackleford explains what the latest science tells us about how our devices influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In engaging, conversational prose, she discusses both the benefits and the risks that come with our current level of media saturation. The wide-ranging conversation explores Avatar, Mad Men, Grand Theft Auto, and Comic Con to address critical issues such as media violence, portrayals of social groups, political coverage, and fandom. Her conclusions will empower readers to make our favorite sources of entertainment and information work for us and not against us.

About the Author
Karen E. Dill-Shackleford is a social psychologist who studies the role of media in everyday life. Some of her special areas of interest are the psychology of engagement with narrative, violence and violence prevention, portrayals of race and gender, and fandom.

Reviews
Professor Karen Dill has done a remarkable job in presenting the scientific facts about the huge (often harmful, sometimes helpful) impact that TV, films, video games, and music have on us all, and she has done so in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. Two additional aspects of this book are of particular importance: her science-based explanations of why most people believe that they are not influenced; and her recommendations for how people can take control of the media in their lives rather than continuing to be controlled by the media industries. In my view, this is a 'must read' for anyone who is concerned about the healthy development of children and the future of modern society. * Craig A. Anderson, Distinguished Professor of Psychology; Director, Center for the Study of Violence; Iowa State University *
[Dill] takes complex psychological constructs and explains them in an entertaining, conversational style. For parents and older children, she offers an engaging and accessible discussion of the subtle ways that the pervasive presence of media affects us all...[Dill] provides a comprehensive, yet comprehensible walk through the world of media effects research... Dr. Dill's message focuses not only on the negative side of media, but also on how to create a positive and balanced media diet, especially for children. Media literacy is one part of the solution, and Dr. Dill's concluding message is that we all need to take more control of our media diet. * Jeanne Brockmyer, Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, University of Toledo *
Media, in all their evolving forms, have become the default activities for the 21st century. Dr. Karen Dill's excellent book explains the tremendous impact media have and what we can do. She translates solid science into a highly understandable, readable and enjoyable book. * David Walsh, Ph.D. President, National Institute on Media and the Family *
Finally, an engaging and interesting book college students enjoy reading about the pervasive effects of the media. * Brad J. Bushman, Ph.D. Professor of Communication Studies and Psychology, University of Michigan *
...a triumph, an eminently accessible yet thoroughly substantive volume on a topic of great relevance to all. * Sex Roles: A Journal of Research *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190239299
Author Karen E. Dill-Shackleford
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 516g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 170mm * 27mm