Work

Communicating About Renewable Energy With Satire: The Influence of Gentle and Harsh Humor Tones on Perceived Message Credibility and Information Reliance

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Satire is often used in science communication, but it is unclear how it influences perceptions of message credibility and reliance on the information. We examine how two satire types (gentle, harsh) influence perceived message credibility and information reliance, which we define as using the information in discussions or for attitudinal and behavioral changes. Using a partial mediation model, we found no effects of gentle satire, but harsh satire negatively influenced message credibility, which was positively linked to information reliance. Contrary to previous research, we found that the satire type matters. Practical implications include being cautious when using harsh satire.

Source: Science Communication

DOI: 10.1177/10755470241293361

Authors: Isabelle Freiling, Michael A. Cacciatore, Leona Yi-Fan Su, Jiyoung Yeon, Sohyun Park, Weiting Du, Jennifer Shiyue Zhang, Sara K. Yeo, Sarah Rose Siskind

Institutions: University of Utah, University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Language: English

Topic: Humor Studies and Applications

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of Utah

OpenAlex ID: W4404329696

FWCI: 0.963

Cites: 76

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10