In times of extreme weather events: Gen Z and information seeking about climate change on digital media
Date
2019
Authors
Okeke, Ujunwa Melvis, author
Anderson, Ashley, advisor
Sivakumar, Gaya, committee member
Melzer, Susan, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the factors that motivate Gen Z members to seek information and engage in conversations in digital media around the topic of climate change. The current study adopted some individual-level factors from the original Risk Information Seeking and Processing model. An ordinary least squares regression model was used to explore data from an online survey administered to students (n=76) at Colorado State University. Results showed that informational subjective norms, current knowledge of extreme weather events, and perceptions of extreme weather events are related to climate change information seeking. In addition, information seeking, and the approach taken to process information leads to interactivity around climate change issues on digital media. One of the ways people get involved with climate change is seeking and having conversations on the topic. This research provides practical insights for reaching members of Generation Z. Stakeholders should utilize young adults' social networks to encourage more engagement on the topic, make an effort in writing articles that can alleviate people's hope not bash it. Encouragement of deeper engagement with the issue through alternative modes of communication and adding technological features that encourage interactions on online articles are recommended.