The Effect of Social Desirability on Perceived Media Impact: Implications for Third-Person Perceptions

This study examines variations in perceptions of media influence based on the locus of impact (self vs. other) and the valence of the message (pro-social vs. anti-social). After reading one of four versions of rap lyrics either advocating or condemning violence or misogyny, 406 undergraduates filled out a survey measuring the perceived impact of songs with that type of lyrics on themselves and on other students. Results replicated previous findings of a third-person perception for the anti-social messages. Based on an ego-enhancement motivational explanation, it was predicted that there would be a reverse third-person perception for the pro-social messages. The findings did not support this hypothesis, and for the pro-social message regarding the treatment of women, a Lraditional third-person perception was found. However, consistent with the ego-defensive motivational explanation, the size of the third-person perception differential was significantly greater for anti-social than for pro-social messages. Implications of these findings for explanations of the third-person perception were discussed.