Psychology of Popular Media

Aims & Scope

Psychology of Popular Media is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to publishing empirical research concerning the psychological experience and effects of human interaction with popular media in all of its forms including social media, games, apps, and fictional narratives in all of their forms (e.g., film, television, books).

Psychology of Popular Media reports cutting-edge research that illuminates the human experience of living in a culture where popular media are ubiquitous and influential.

The journal publishes both quantitative and qualitative empirical research as well as reviews, meta-analyses, and replications that contribute significantly to the field.

We encourage contributions that demonstrate and/or acknowledge that there are both risks and benefits of popular media on human psychological functioning.

Although the journal welcomes and encourages submissions from a wide variety of disciplines, topics should be linked to psychological theory and research.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

Impact Factor

Year	Value
2025	1.6
2024	2.10

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.773

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q1

h-index

Year	Value
2024	32

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	7099

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	601

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar
• Web of Science

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Psychology and Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• The use of social networking sites, body image dissatisfaction, and body dysmorphic disorder: A systematic review of psychological research.

  Citation: 120

  Authors: Francesca C., Daria J.

• Me, my selfie, and I: The relations between selfie behaviors, body image, self-objectification, and self-esteem in young women.

  Citation: 114

  Authors: Jolanda, Jessica M., Anna J. D. (Nadia), Micha, Elly A.

• Facebook-based social support and health: A systematic review.

  Citation: 103

  Authors: John, Tanya, Charlotte, Carla

• Every (Insta)Gram counts? Applying cultivation theory to explore the effects of Instagram on young users’ body image.

  Citation: 64

  Authors: Jan-Philipp, Elena, Peter

• Are there two types of escapism? Exploring a dualistic model of escapism in digital gaming and online streaming.

  Citation: 53

  Authors: Frode, Jonas, Beate Wold

• Lack of consensus among scholars on the issue of video game “addiction”.

  Citation: 50

  Authors: Christopher J., John

• Personality as a predictor of cybersecurity behavior.

  Citation: 50

  Authors: Alexander T., Charlotte A., Scott M.

• Emojis affect processing fluency on social media.

  Citation: 47

  Authors: Thomas A., Alecka L.

• Reducing social media use improves appearance and weight esteem in youth with emotional distress.

  Citation: 46

  Authors: Helen, Christopher G., Wardah, Sabrina, Alex, Gary S.

• Alone and online: Understanding the relationships between social media, solitude, and psychological adjustment.

  Citation: 42

  Authors: Virginia, Brandon, Margarita, Steve

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