Representation of Addiction in the Media
Research Mentor(s)
Connell, Joan M.
Description
Presenting the story of addiction in news and entertainment media presents an ethical dilemma for those doing the storytelling. This dilemma faces the ethical paradigm of Right vs. Wrong. In this research project, I focused on how addiction is presented in the media. Media representation of addiction shapes how people think about this disease and can affect legislation to support assistance for recovering addicts. This led me to determine that media has an important place in shaping how we think about addiction. In this paper, I identified how media can do a public good by accurately and ethically covering stories of addiction. I also identified how media can harm the public by perpetuating stereotypes about addiction and failing to treat those with addictions ethically. In conclusion, I present best practices for those telling the story of addiction to follow.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
15-5-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
15-5-2019 5:00 PM
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
Journalism
Genre/Form
student projects, posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Drug addiction--United States--Public opinion; Drugs and mass media--Unted States; Journalistic ethics--United States
Geographic Coverage
United States
Type
Image
Keywords
addiction, news media, entertainment media, media ethics
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Representation of Addiction in the Media
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Presenting the story of addiction in news and entertainment media presents an ethical dilemma for those doing the storytelling. This dilemma faces the ethical paradigm of Right vs. Wrong. In this research project, I focused on how addiction is presented in the media. Media representation of addiction shapes how people think about this disease and can affect legislation to support assistance for recovering addicts. This led me to determine that media has an important place in shaping how we think about addiction. In this paper, I identified how media can do a public good by accurately and ethically covering stories of addiction. I also identified how media can harm the public by perpetuating stereotypes about addiction and failing to treat those with addictions ethically. In conclusion, I present best practices for those telling the story of addiction to follow.