Media Exposure and Beliefs About Science and Technology

Abstract

This study uses a media dependency theory approach for investigating the effect of exposure to media science information on people's beliefs about science and technology. The results of a commonality analysis of social locator, public affairs media use, and exposure to media science information indicate that feeling competent about handling scientific information and being enthusiastic about scientific and technological advances are most strongly related to exposure to media science information, while beliefs about specific science and technology issues (disarmament, the need to maintain scientific and technical superiority for national security reasons) depend more on social location and public affairs media exposure.