Climate change news exposure, first and third-person effects, and eco-anxiety in the Chinese general population: a moderation model

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study examines the relationship between exposure to climate change news and eco-anxiety in the Chinese general population, exploring the moderating effects of first-person effect (FPE) and third-person effect (TPE). Methods Utilizing a non-representative sample of 1483 Chinese adults, we conducted an online survey assessing media consumption across traditional and digital platforms, FPE, TPE, and eco-anxiety. The survey included structured items measuring the frequency and impact of climate change news exposure, alongside scales for assessing eco-anxiety and perceptual biases (FPE and TPE). Results Preliminary analyses indicate a significant correlation between higher exposure to climate change news and increased levels of eco-anxiety. Moderation analysis revealed that both FPE and TPE significantly influenced the relationship between news exposure and eco-anxiety, with FPE strengthening and TPE weakening this association. Conclusion The findings suggest that the way individuals perceive the impact of climate change news—on themselves versus others—moderates the emotional response to such news. Specifically, those who perceive a greater personal impact (FPE) experience higher eco-anxiety, whereas those who perceive a greater impact on others (TPE) report lower anxiety levels. This study highlights the need for nuanced media communication strategies that consider these perceptual biases to manage public emotional responses to climate change effectively.

Keywords

• Climate change news
• Eco-anxiety
• First-person effect
• Third-person effect
• Media consumption