Does the use of media and other information sources cause the perceived experience of climate change or is it the other way around?

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-2024

Abstract

The perceived experience of climate change can be an important motivator of individual climate action. Recent scholarship argued that the use of media and other information sources is a basis of perceived experience. The current study analyzed a cross-lagged panel model to know if the use of information causes perceived experience or vice versa. Analysis of longitudinal data from a sample of Singapore residents (N = 466) showed that the use of traditional media, but not social media or interpersonal sources, explained change in perceived experience. In contrast, perceived experience explained change in the use of traditional media and interpersonal communication. We discuss these findings vis-à-vis the reinforcing spirals model of media effects and offer practical insights for climate change communicators, especially journalists.

Keywords

Climate action, interpersonal communication, media use, perceived experience, reinforcing spirals

Discipline

Asian Studies | Communication Technology and New Media | Environmental Sciences | Nature and Society Relations | Social Media

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Publication

Environmental Communication

ISSN

1752-4032

Identifier

10.1080/17524032.2024.2343108

Publisher

Taylor & Francis (Routledge): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/17524032.2024.2343108

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