This project’s objective is to understand how negative media coverage of Greek life affects those who take part in it.
News media commonly talk about Greek life in a negative light, but people continue to be strongly affiliated with these communities. Studies of media coverage have shown that it has a negative impact on mental health (National Library of Medicine), whereas many studies of Greek life have shown a positive trend on mental health of its participants (Newport Institute). My study, however, examines the intersection of such findings: how media portrayals of Greek life affect those in it. I want to look at the common stereotypes of this community to try to understand where they come from and their effects. Montana State University’s divided student population (Greek and non-Greek) offers a good opportunity for the study of the translation of such stereotypes from news media to student attitudes.
My study engages the Greek life community through an initial survey and then, where applicable, follow up interviews. Additionally, I have interviewed university faculty who work with the fraternities and sororities to broaden perspective on this topic. Although this research is still in progress, survey results are demonstrating that members of the fraternity-sorority life community feel negative effects from what they hear around campus and on social media that most often leads to members not wanting to wear their Greek letters out and refraining from telling others of their association.
My presentation will review further findings and discuss what would be required to reshape the discourse.
Negative Stereotypes of Greek Life and their Effect on Fraternity and Sorority Members
Category
Student Abstract Submission