Mass Communications and International Image Change

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In the past, mass communications have not been considered a particularly effective device in furthering international accord. From three previously separate bodies of theory, this research formulates a theory of relatively confirmed/discon firmed expectations and reexamines the effectiveness of mass communications in changing the images held by the people of one nation about some other nation. This formulation predicts some conditions under which individuals' international images might be positively affected by what are actually negative messages from low credibility sources in other nations; it also predicts some conditions under which such messages will have a boomerang effect-that is, individuals will respond negatively to such international contact. A further characteristic of this research is that it conceptualizes an individual's international image to consist of a range along an evaluative continuum rather than some specifically designated point on that continuum.

This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit: