Effects of Message Presentation Type on GM Food Risk Perception, Similarity Judgment, and Attitude

ABSTRACT

Media play an important role in communicating scientific and health-related information, in turn, influencing audience risk perception. This study examined how genetically modified (GM) food news’ presentation types – text-only, addition of photographs, or addition of infographics – can affect risk perception and attitude towards GM foods. Further, individuals’ healthy eating involvement and perceived threat to GM foods were considered as individual difference variables influencing the level of perceived relevance to the GM food news. Results showed that news with infographics generally lowered risk perception and led individuals to perceive GM and non-GM foods more similarly in their safety on allergy, genetic changes, and organ toxicity.

Disclosure of potential conflict of interest

We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Richard Wallace Faculty Incentive Grant Award from Mizzou Alumni Association