Abstract
Media dependence plays a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes during times of crisis. Grounded in Media Dependency Theory (Ball-Rokeach & DeFleur, 1976), the discussion explores how individuals increasingly turn to media—both traditional and digital—as a primary resource for understanding. Emphasis is placed on how the frequency of exposure and the framing of media messages contribute to the formation of public opinion and collective responses. In the contemporary digital environment, this dependency is complicated by the rise of misinformation, algorithmic filtering, and the participatory nature of media audiences. Individuals are no longer merely consumers of information, but active contributors to media content, often guided by personal beliefs and biases. These dynamics raise pressing ethical questions regarding the responsibilities of media institutions and underscore the need for media literacy and critical engagement. Ultimately, the argument put forward is that media, particularly in crisis contexts, functions not merely as a communication channel but as a powerful actor that shapes perception, influences behavior, and informs public understanding. The discussion encourages a deeper examination of the evolving media landscape and its broader implications for public discourse and crisis communication.
Presenters
Wael NelPhD Candidate, Communication and Media Studies Department, Charles III University of Madrid, Spain
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Media Dependency Theory, Crisis Communication, Public Opinion, Media Literacy
