Media in Hong Kong are obsessed with stories about celebrities and scandals, which has serious implications for journalistic integrity, protection of privacy, and citizen trust in public life. This course examines these issues from various perspectives. Starting with a sociological approach, students will first learn concepts and theoretical perspectives of celebrities and scandals as well as the processes of their production and distribution. The discussion will then turn to a psychological approach. Students will explore the uses and consequences of media representation of celebrities and scandals in terms of gratification, social learning, and framing and priming effects. Finally, the course will take legal and ethical perspectives to address issues involving journalistic professionalism, social responsibility, and the decline of citizens’ trust in public institutions.
