Influence of Climate Change-Related Media on Eco-Emotions and Willingness for Pro-Environmental Action: A Content Dependent Analysis of Videos

Yoon Edward

Abstract: Eco-emotions arise when individuals confront climate change. Previous research examined how eco-emotions lead to environmentally friendly behaviors. Our study focuses on post-video-eco-actions following exposure to various levels of eco-emotion, assessed through online surveys. Results indicate that viewers of animal victim videos exhibited higher levels of eco-anger and eco-anxiety compared to those who were exposed to human victim videos. Additionally, the animal victim video viewers displayed a higher level of willingness to engage in pro-environmental behaviors than the human victim video viewers. Thus, our study underscores climate change media?s importance, emphasizing animal victim-related videos? potent impact on emotions and eco-responsibility.

Keywords: Climate Change, Eco Emotions, Environment