An Integrative Analysis of Psychological Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Online and Social Media Exposure on Drought Mitigation-Related Outcomes.

Abstract

Climate change is an urgent environmental risk. This study examines an integrative model suggesting psychological pathways from drought-related information exposure through online and social media to drought mitigation behavioral intentions and support for drought management policies. The model proposes links between these variables through perceived risks, fear, anger, and hope, with institutional trust acting as a moderator. A two-wave panel survey was conducted in the context of drought due to climate change in Korea (n = 694 at the baseline survey). The results show that online media exposure increased perceived risks and fear; perceived risks were positively associated with behavioral intentions and policy support, whereas fear was positively associated with behavioral intentions. Among people with low institutional trust, social media exposure was associated with risk perception and hope. These findings suggest that online and social media play distinct roles in shaping public responses to climate change, particularly depending on individuals' levels of institutional trust.