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The Promises and Pitfalls of Inspirational Media: What do We Know, and Where do We Go from Here?

Author

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  • Lena Frischlich

    (Department of Communication, Westphalian Wilhelms-University, Germany / Department of Media and Communication, LMU Munich, Germany)

  • Lindsay Hahn

    (Department of Communication, University at Buffalo–State University of New York, USA)

  • Diana Rieger

    (Department of Media and Communication, LMU Munich, Germany)

Abstract

This editorial introduces the thematic issue on inspirational media; including its role in the elicitation of meaning and self-transcendence, audience responses to inspirational narratives, and the potential for inspirational media to be used for manipulative purposes. We first set the stage for the thematic issue by describing an organizing framework by Thrash and Elliot (2003) to study inspiration. We then situate the seven articles published in this thematic issue along the logic of different components of this framework, namely media content capable of invoking transcendence through emotions and excitatory responses, and a motivational impulse to act upon the ideas acquired from content. This thematic issue thereby highlights unique perspectives for understanding media’s ability to serve as the source of inspiration—be it for social benefit or detriment. Finally, we consider directions for future research on inspirational media.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Frischlich & Lindsay Hahn & Diana Rieger, 2021. "The Promises and Pitfalls of Inspirational Media: What do We Know, and Where do We Go from Here?," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 162-166.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v:9:y:2021:i:2:p:162-166
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Helen Landmann, 2021. "The Bright and Dark Side of Eudaimonic Emotions: A Conceptual Framework," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 191-201.
    2. Manuel Menke & Tim Wulf, 2021. "The Dark Side of Inspirational Pasts: An Investigation of Nostalgia in Right-Wing Populist Communication," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 237-249.
    3. Melissa M. Moore & Melanie C. Green & Kaitlin Fitzgerald & Elaine Paravati, 2021. "Framing Inspirational Content: Narrative Effects on Attributions and Helping," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 226-236.
    4. Kevin Kryston & Kaitlin Fitzgerald, 2021. "Inspired to Adopt: The Role of Social Norms in Media Inspiration," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 215-225.
    5. Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles & Diana Rieger & Winston Connor, 2019. "Finding Meaning at Work: The Role of Inspiring and Funny YouTube Videos on Work-Related Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 619-640, February.
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