Risk perception and the media

TLDR

Media content is diverse and not as biased as often assumed, yet the link between risk perception and behavior remains uncertain. The study surveys research on how media influence risk perception. The authors review existing studies to assess media's causal impact on risk perception. Evidence shows that media are unlikely to be a strong causal factor for personal risk perception, with availability of information having a weaker effect on personal than general risk perception.

Abstract

Abstract This is a survey of research on how media influence risk perception. Media are diverse in content, and often not as biased in their (news) reporting as is commonly thought. Although many take media's influence for granted, the evidence points the other way: even for heavy media users, media are probably not a strong causal factor in (especially not personal) risk perception. Risk perception may be affected by the media via availability (more information gives a stronger effect), but the effects are lessened by impersonal impact: general risk perception is more easily changed than personal risk perception. Risk perception is often thought to cause behaviour, but this is still uncertain, and caution is necessary as to this possible connection.