Opinion Extremity Predicted by Media Exposure, Information Processing Mode, and Issue Sophistication About U.S.–China Trade Dispute

Authors

  • Yaxin Dai Beijing Foreign Studies University
  • Xigen Li Shanghai University

Keywords:

opinion extremity, media exposure, information processing mode, heuristic-systematic model, issue sophistication

Abstract

This study tested a model of predictors of opinion extremity about the U.S.–China trade dispute through a survey of 1,029 media users in China. The findings indicate that traditional and new media exposures do not differ significantly in their positive effects on opinion extremity. Systematic processing negatively moderates the relationship between new media exposure and opinion extremity, whereas systematic and heuristic processing modes show variant positive moderation effects on the relationship between traditional media exposure and opinion extremity. Issue sophistication is not found to be a moderator of the effect of media exposure on opinion extremity. Theoretical implications are discussed.

Author Biographies

Yaxin Dai, Beijing Foreign Studies University

MA student, School of International Journalism and Communication, Beijing Foreign Studies University

Xigen Li, Shanghai University

Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Shanghai University; Chair Professor, School of International Journalism and Communication, Beijing Foreign Studies University. Phone: 86-15821318464

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Published

2023-11-29

Issue

Vol. 17 (2023)

Section

Articles

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