Exposure to Terrorism-related News: Associations with Beliefs about Terrorism and Self-protective Action

This study examined how exposure to terrorism-related news is associated with perceived threat of terrorist attacks and self-protective actions taken in response to terrorism. Data were obtained from a nationwide survey of U.S. residents. Results indicated that more frequent exposure to terrorism news was associated with higher perceived terrorism threat and more intended self-protective actions. The frequency of local television-based news exposure was positively associated with self-protective actions. There was no association between the news medium and perceived threat, with the exception of radio. Discussing news with others was positively associated with self-protective actions. Higher trust in the news was associated with increased perceived threat and greater intent to take self-protective action. Thinking critically about the news was associated with lower intent to engage in self-protection.