Applying mass communication frameworks to study humor's impact: advancing the study of political satire

ABSTRACT Political satire has been an object of study for communication researchers for more than a generation. Focused primarily on the political effects of satire exposure on attitudes and opinions, knowledge gain and learning, and efficacy and engagement, this large body of research often treats satire as news. Research that focuses on the entertaining nature of satire is equally important. To broaden the field's theoretical understanding of political satire's net impact, the research suggests five frameworks from mass communication theory that can be applied to better understand the effects of exposure to political satire, including: (1) mood management theory, (2) parasocial interaction, (3) identification, (4) social identity theory, and (5) hedonic and eudaimonic motivations.