Sex, Love, and Romance in the Mass Media: Analysis and Criticism of Unrealistic Portrayals and Their Influence

New Third Edition Now Available! This pioneering research-based yet accessible text is a valuable tool in media analysis and criticism that has been used by thousands of students, educators, and media literacy advocates. The book's multidisciplinary perspective is grounded in Galician's unique Seven-Step approach and centered around 12 unhealthy but widely portrayed media Myths and stereotypes paired with 12 counteracting antidotal Prescriptions that encapsulate the literature's healthy relationship strategies rarely portrayed by the media. Readers learn how to identify, deconstruct, evaluate, resist, and reframe Myth-laden media texts, clarify their own values, and share their insights. Although critical of unrealistic portrayals and the damage they can cause unaware media consumers, the author a media literacy advocate is not anti-media. Her goal is to empower consumers to ""use the media instead of having the media use you."" The NEW third edition of Sex, Love, and Romance in the Mass Media: Is Practical! It covers foundational theories and practical applications of analysis and criticism of mass media portrayals of sex, love, and romance from a media literacy framework. Is Comprehensive! The content has been extensively revised (providing enhanced clarification of the central concepts and key components--and their application). Is Up-To-Date! The material has been updated and expanded with 140 exemplary classic and recent media portrayals and 50 new research studies.