Journal Overview

Journal of Social Cognition and Communication publishes theoretical, empirical and methodological research on how people understand, interpret and respond to communication. It examines the relationships between cognition, media, technology and social life, from interpersonal interaction to public discourse.

The journal brings communication research into dialogue with social psychology, media studies, political communication, cultural analysis and human–technology interaction. Submissions should explain how their findings or arguments advance understanding of perception, judgment, identity, belief formation or social behavior in a clearly defined communication setting.

Scope of the Journal

Social Cognition in Communication Contexts

Studies of perception, interpretation, attribution, attention, memory, emotion, and judgment in interpersonal, mediated, and public communication settings.

Media, Information, and Public Understanding

Research on media influence, information processing, misinformation, agenda formation, framing, narrative persuasion, and audience cognition in digital and traditional media environments.

Digital Society and Human–Technology Interaction

Work addressing AI-mediated communication, algorithmic environments, platform society, online identity, digital publics, and cognitive responses to emerging technologies.

Culture, Belief, and Social Meaning

Contributions exploring ideology, religion, values, cultural cognition, symbolic systems, and the communication of social meanings across communities and institutions.

Public Opinion, Social Perception, and Collective Behavior

Analyses of public discourse, opinion formation, collective memory, social trust, stigma, polarization, identity negotiation, and communication in civic and political life.

Methods, Theory, and Conceptual Innovation

The journal welcomes theoretical interventions, methodological discussions, mixed-methods studies, computational approaches, and concept-building research relevant to social cognition and communication.

Topics of Interest Include, but Are Not Limited To

• Social cognition and mediated communication
• Communication psychology and audience perception
• Media effects, framing, and narrative cognition
• Digital media, platforms, and online interaction
• AI communication, algorithmic influence, and cognitive response
• Misinformation, trust, and information credibility
• Public opinion, collective perception, and social judgment
• Identity, self-presentation, and symbolic interaction
• Political communication and public discourse
• Religion, belief systems, and social meaning-making
• Cross-cultural communication and comparative cognition
• Communication ethics, technology, and society

Studies may focus on interpersonal exchange, mediated interaction or public communication. Authors should make clear how the selected setting, population or material relates to the question and avoid treating a finding from one context as universally applicable without supporting evidence.

Types of Contributions & Editorial Orientation

The journal considers Research Articles, Review Articles, Theoretical Papers, Methodological Studies, Short Communications and Book Reviews. Contributions should identify a clear question or argument, engage with relevant scholarship and explain the evidence or reasoning supporting their conclusions.

Qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, comparative and computational approaches are welcome. Studies of a particular community, country or communication setting should explain the context and the wider scholarly relevance of the work.

The journal publishes two issues each year. For manuscript preparation and review requirements, consult the Author Guidelines and Article Types pages.