Although choosing a meal for lunch or dinner may seem trivial, it often proves to be one of the most challenging decisions many Americans face each day.

The goal of this research is to explore how media representations of meat products shape consumers’ attitudes and behaviors, particularly regarding the disassociation of meat from its animal of origin. By examining various media portrayals and investigating how consumers perceive them, this study delves into the factors that drive meat consumption patterns—including socioeconomic status, family influence, and broader cultural norms. In doing so, it also evaluates the psychological and emotional gratifications consumers derive from eating meat (e.g., boosts in self-esteem or perceptions of masculinity).

Through a comprehensive analysis of these interconnected elements, this research aims to deepen our understanding of media’s role in framing meat consumption and provide insights that can inform future marketing, public health, and educational strategies.
A Meat Paradox: Media’s Role In Mitigating the Omnivore’s Dilemma