In the next days, graphs (like👇) will show explosions of omicron & lockdowns will re-appear across Europe.
To motivate fatigued publics, it is key to not just appeal to fear. Communication should help people cope & envision how to pull thru.
An evidence-based 🧵 on how. (1/5)
To motivate fatigued publics, it is key to not just appeal to fear. Communication should help people cope & envision how to pull thru.
An evidence-based 🧵 on how. (1/5)
Studies on crisis communication argues that good communication needs to identify the problem *and* tell people how to deal with the problem (doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.1…). The "through-the-roof"-graphs only does the former. (2/5)
In Jan 2021 with alpha, we used epidemic modelling to draw a graph that both identified the problem *and* spoke to the hope of dealing with the problem: psyarxiv.com/gxcyn/. It shows the race between variants & vaccines and the need for distancing until vaccines arrive. (3/5)
We used this visual aid in an experiment with >3000 Americans. Half was explained the situation using the hope-oriented graph. The other half just received a threat-graph of rising infections. Hope increased support for restrictions and motivations to adhere to guidelines. (4/5)
We now face a new race between variants & vaccines: Omicron vs. boosters. Again, we need to not just appeal to fear but to help people see how we get through this. As fatigue increases with time (psyarxiv.com/y6wm4/), the right communication is key for public support. (5/5)
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