One Health Risk and Communication seminar

Risk and Communication in One Health

Understanding the perceptions of risk and the ways by which such perceptions are communicated is an essential element in addressing the social aspects of diseases. In this seminar, Dr Huang Guanxiong, Dr Kim Ji Won, and Dr Dai Yue explore the ways by which these intertwined perceptions influence responses to health challenges. To register please visit:

<https://cityu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcoceyurj0qHNZAKlH_yB5hQsk4LIFzp...

Dr HUANG Guanxiong

Using Messaging Strategy to Reduce Optimistic Bias in Health and Risk Communication

Abstract: Optimistic bias is individuals’ cognitive tendency of perceiving the risks to a hazardous event or disease for themselves lower than for others. Put it simply, “It is a serious issue, but it is someone else’s issue.” Optimistic bias has been observed with various health and risk issues, such as H1N1 flu and climate change, and may have a negative impact on people’s willingness to take preventive measures. I will present my research on message design strategy that can effectively reduce optimistic bias and in turn persuade people to take action against the hazardous event or disease.

Dr KIM Ji Won

From Risk Butterflies to Citizens Engaged in Risk Prevention in the Zika Virus Crisis

Abstract

Social media have become an important venue for communicating information about health risks during public health crises. Despite that individuals not only receive risk information but also actively share it within their social networks, little is known about how the bidirectional use of social media would influence their risk perceptions and subsequent health behaviors. Hence, in this talk, I will present a study which examines how two-way social media communication (i.e., posting and receiving risk information on social media) are linked to different levels of risk perceptions, and in turn, this leads to information seeking and preventive behaviors. Implications of the findings will also be discussed in light of communication strategies that motivate users to share accurate risk information during the pandemic.

Dr DAI Yue

Observing Interactions in Online Mental Health Support Groups: A Masspersonal Perspective to Social Support

Abstract
Common mental disorders are a pressing global public health issue. Although prior research has revealed invaluable insights on the benefits of online health support groups, it focused more on active posters in these groups while neglecting the lurkers. This seminar presents two studies on how observers of interactions in online support communities relate to the interactants in the conversations and experience the interactions vicariously. The results shed light on passive use of online support groups and guide the design of online support communities.