Who is Responsible for Particulate Matter in South Korea’s Atmosphere? The Role of Social Media and Attribution of Responsibility on Risk Perception and Protective Behaviors

Abstract

This study analyzed national survey data from South Korean respondents to examine how social media use influences the attribution of responsibility to an out-group or in-group, risk perceptions, and protective behavioral intentions about particulate matter in South Korea’s atmosphere. The findings indicate that social media use is positively associated with the attribution of responsibility to both an out-group and an in-group. The attribution of responsibility to an out-group affected risk perceptions, which were associated with protective behavioral intentions about air pollution.