Abstract

This study explores the role of online news media in directing people’s behavior in China. Previous literature shows that Chinese tend to be suspicious or hostile towards strangers and those outside their network. This study assumes that this self-defensive behavior was caused by negative portrayal of strangers in Chinese online news media. A survey and a qualitative content analysis were conducted to understand how the exposure to crime news affects people’s perception of strangers and public safety in China, then causes self-defensive behavior in China. The finding shows consistency between survey responses and media coverages about strangers, which establishes the relationship between crime news coverage and self-defensive behavior.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Strangers--China--Public opinion; Suspicion--China; Chinese--Attitudes; Online journalism--China

Publication Date

5-11-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Communication and Media Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Andrea Hickerson

Advisor/Committee Member

Grant Cos

Advisor/Committee Member

Ammina Kothari

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMMTCH-MS

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