The Gray Area with Sean Illing Why liberals and conservatives create such different media (with Danna Young)
Jun 20, 2019
Danna Young, an associate professor of communications and author of "Irony and Outrage," dives into the stark divides in media consumption between liberals and conservatives. She explains how emotional responses shape audience engagement and the aesthetics of each media ecosystem. Additionally, Young challenges the misconception that outrage culture is solely a left phenomenon, revealing similar patterns on the right. The conversation highlights how psychological traits influence media preferences and how understanding these differences is crucial for healthy political discourse.
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Complete vs. Incomplete Aesthetics
- Right-wing media presents fully formed conclusions, requiring no further interpretation.
- Left-wing media offers incomplete narratives, letting audiences derive their own meaning.
Meta-Messages in Media
- Liberal media often conveys a "you're smart" message, appealing to intellectual engagement.
- Conservative media emphasizes belonging and shared identity, appealing to a sense of community.
Disgust and Conservatism
- Disgust sensitivity is higher among conservatives, influencing their political views.
- A study showed heightened disgust (without handwashing) increased conservative views on immigration.
