Social Norms and Selectivity: Effects of Norms of Open-Mindedness on Content Selection and Affective Polarization. Issue 4 (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wojcieszak, Magdalena; Winter, Stephan; Yu, Xudong
• Is Part Of: Mass communication & society. Volume 23:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Communication -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Communication and culture -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Médias -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Médias et culture -- Périodiques; Communication -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Communication et culture -- Périodiques; Presse -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Communication and culture; Communication -- Social aspects; Journalism -- Social aspects; Mass media and culture; Mass media -- Social aspects; Periodicals; 302.23
• DOI: 10.1080/15205436.2020.1714663
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1520-5436

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Given the polarizing effects of exposure to like-minded political information and the alleged societal benefits of exposure to diverse and dissimilar perspectives, we examine how to promote the selection of balanced and counter-attitudinal political content, thereby minimizing affective polarization. Two online experiments on American partisans ( N = 389 and N = 1378) tested the influence of social norms promoting open-mindedness. Study 1 focused on supporters and opponents of President Trump, showing that highlighting social norm of open-mindedness (vs. close-mindedness) in the general public increased exposure to balanced articles. Study 2, which focused on Democrats vs. Republicans and on the social norms among one's partisan ingroup, showed that highlighting ingroup open-mindedness (vs. control) enhanced counter-attitudinal exposure and indirectly attenuated several indicators of affective polarization. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for informed citizenship in an era of abundant media choice.