Stereotypes of Chinese by American College Students: Media Use and Perceived Realism

Abstract

This study explores American college students’ stereotypes about Chinese and the influences of mediated information sources and perceived realism of media messages on those stereotypes. Results showed that American college students had positive stereotypes about Chinese but also perceived China as a potential threat to the United States. Students’ use of media sources alone did not predict these stereotypes, whereas perceived realism and the interaction between it and media use were important predictors.