Determining or Mediating Media? Model Comparisons on the Role of Media and Risk in Shaping Preventive Behaviors During Crises

Abstract

This study investigates the role of media in risk communication during crises by comparing two theoretical perspectives. The first paradigm views media as a determining factor, while the second sees media as a mediator. The study analyzes two survey data sets: cross-sectional data on nuclear waste issues from eight regions (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom; N = 8,591) and longitudinal panel data on the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong (N = 920). Results consistently support the the greater explanatory power of the first paradigm. Individuals’ willingness to adopt preventive measures highly depends on the media-constructed risks.

Keywords

media effects risk perception cross-culture crisis communication nuclear waste COVID-19

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