Psychology Club taps into media's impact on mental health

The Troy University Psychology Club recently explored the impact of media on mental health, focusing their discussion on how different forms of media influence emotional responses and perceptions of real-life situations.  

Movies and shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Supernatural,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Truth or Dare and Paddington” all made an appearance on the silver screen. 

Vice President Geo Gardner, a senior psychology and criminal justice major from Mobile, Alabama, said media often mirrors real life experiences. 

“I think a lot of shows and movies show emotion and impact us emotionally through music, dialogue and character interactions,” Gardner said. “A lot of media imitates real life, and that draws an emotional reaction out of us.” 

Club members also discussed how serious topics, such as domestic violence, are portrayed in popular media. While no video clips were shown during the meeting, the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” was mentioned as an example of how sensitive issues are sometimes depicted. 

Gardner said these portrayals can be harmful if viewers are not critical of what they are consuming. 

“Media can show very toxic dynamics,” Gardner said. “It can normalize unhealthy relationships and reinforce the idea that toxic behavior is just part of relationships.” 

New club member Mariana Easterling, a sophomore psychology major from Wetumpka, Alabama, said the meeting encouraged her to think more carefully about how media affects her mental well-being. 

“Your mental health is really important, and what you feed your brain matters in your everyday life,” Easterling said. “Social media, movies and TV shows all play a role in how we think and feel.” 

While serious movies and shows were watched and discussed, attendees also got to watch humorous shows like “Friends.” Justin Hendrickson, a junior psychology major from Enterprise, Alabama, said he enjoys watching more lighthearted media.  

“The laugh tracks are a very big thing for me,” Hendrickson said. “It is corny, but it does make me laugh. 

“It’s like a contagious emotion.” 

The Psychology Club aims to create conversations that help students become more aware of mental health issues and develop healthier habits when engaging with media.