Us versus them: A game-based application of social identity theory to cultural media artifacts

This activity applies social identity theory concepts to identify in-group and out-group differences through a media analysis bingo game. By constructing bingo cards, hunting for media artifacts, and reflecting on in-group/out-group dynamics, students move from passive consumers to critical analysts. The activity reduces students’ defensive reactions, enhances their objectivity, and demonstrates how social categorization shapes contemporary media and discourse.Courses: Introduction to Communication, Group Communication, Intercultural Communication, Media and Society, and Interpersonal Communication.Objectives: After participating in the unit activities, students will be able to: (1) apply key concepts from social identity theory to recognize behaviors, cues, labels, and markers that reinforce in-group and out-group distinctions; (2) critically evaluate a cultural media artifact for evidence of group inclusion, exclusion, boundary-setting, and/or identity signaling; and (3) interpret the social meaning of the artifact in terms of in-group/out-group dynamics and its impact on communication.