Orientalism in US digital entertainment media and anti-Americanism in the Arab world: an integrative review

Abstract

ABSTRACT The digitalization of cultural spheres has profoundly impacted intergroup relations and power dynamics. Our understanding of digital anti-Americanism and Orientalism is embryonic. This integrative review provides a comprehensive appraisal of this research focus. Using databases, websites, and publication citations we integrated 36 studies (2001–2021) on anti-Americanism in the Arab Muslim world and neo-Orientalism in US war films and videogames. The findings indicated that digital culture underpins intergroup ambivalence. US digital epistemic power impedes intergroup rapprochement because digital entertainment media disseminate fear and instigate bias. However, research overlooked the correlation between digital Orientalism and anti-Americanism. We recommend further exploration of the influence of war culture on the waxing and waning of intragroup schisms and intergroup conflicts to promote global peace.