Individual frames & emotional intensity in information seeking on public issues

A case from Mexico

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/gmjmx19.37-481

Keywords:

emotions and framing effects, framing theory, individual frames, emotions and information seeking

Abstract

This work proposes that both cognitions and emotions constitute individual or personal frames, and then it analyzes their effects on information seeking on public and policy issues. Our findings indicate that the stronger the emotional intensity, the weaker the prevalence of rational considerations in these frames. We also show that such emotional intensity is aroused not necessarily by the issues at stake, as most framing approaches suggest, but by the source publicizing them. From a case in Mexico, these findings are relevant at a time when politicians are becoming direct sources of information for citizens in a public communication context where political polarization represents severe challenges to modern democracy.

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Author Biographies

Manuel, Universidad Iberoamericana

Manuel Alejandro Guerrero is Director of the Department of Communication at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, member of the National System of Researchers, Vice President of the Network of UNESCO Chairs in Communication, and Academic Coordinator of the Professional Electoral Service at the National Electoral Institute in Mexico. He holds a Ph.D. in Political and Social Science from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, and an M.Phil. in Latin American Studies from the University of Cambridge. His research has been focused on the role that the media plays in new democracies, especially on governmental transparency and political accountability, and on the way we use digital media and its effects on civic and political attitudes. On these topics he has a number of book chapters, journal articles, and several books.

Vianney, World Justice Project

Vianney Fernández is a researcher at the World Justice Project- Mexico City Office. She holds an MPP from the Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE), and a B.S. in economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Her research focuses broadly on behavioral economics applied to criminal justice. More specifically, she is interested in designing and evaluating effective reentry policies and the reduction of recidivism. She frequently publishes in different outlets on these topics.

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Published

2022-10-19

How to Cite

Guerrero, M., Fernández, V. ., & Castillo, A. (2022). Individual frames & emotional intensity in information seeking on public issues: A case from Mexico. Global Media Journal México, 19(37), 58–103. https://doi.org/10.29105/gmjmx19.37-481

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 37 (2022): July - December

Section

Research Reports

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Global Media Journal México, publicación semestral, editada por el Departamento de Psicología y Comunicación de Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, Estados Unidos; y la Facultad de Ciencias de la Comunicación de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, México. Editores responsables: Dr. José Carlos Lozano y Dr. Francisco Javier Martínez Garza. Datos de contactos: jose.lozano@tamiu.edu, tel. (956) 326-3117 y francisco.martinezgz@uanl.edu.mx, teléfono (81) 83294000, Ext. 7710 y 7711. Reserva de derechos al uso exclusivo número 04 – 2017- 080814012900- 203, expedido por la Dirección de Reservas de Derechos del Instituto Nacional del Derecho de Autor. ISSN: 2007-2031. El editor no necesariamente comparte el contenido de los artículos, ya que son responsabilidad exclusiva de los autores. Se prohíbe la reproducción total o parcial del contenido, ilustraciones y textos publicados en este número sin la previa autorización que por escrito emita el editor.