Applications of Selective Exposure and Attention to Information for Understanding Health and Health Disparities
Title
Applications of Selective Exposure and Attention to Information for Understanding Health and Health Disparities
Author
Earl, Allison
Nisson, Christina
Research Area
The Individual and Society
Topic
Health and Illness
Abstract
In this essay, we discuss how social psychological work on selective exposure and attention can be used to understand information selection decisions in a health context. In particular, we begin with an overview of the selective exposure and attention literatures, including a summary of literature suggesting that people are more likely to seek out (selective exposure) and pay attention to (selective attention) information they agree versus disagree with. We then discuss various motives that may influence information selection and attention. Finally, we conclude with a summary of how the work on selective exposure and attention can be brought to bear on health message design and reduction of health disparities.