News Media & Morality

This line of research investigates how news organizations and information environments shape public perceptions of morality, truth, and social cohesion. We examine the evolution of journalistic standards and the psychological impact of news narratives on audiences' moral judgments and civic engagement.

News Effects on Social Attitudes

We conduct experimental studies to determine how specific news frames influence audience behavior and well-being. This research explores the "for better and for worse" outcomes of news consumption—from fostering altruism and informed citizenship to the potential for news-driven polarization and moral outrage.

Our experiments investigate how audiences process conflicting moral claims in the news and the subsequent impact on their trust in institutions. We aim to identify strategies for news delivery that support social well-being and reduce the "blinding" effects of moralized messaging.

Intergroup Perceptions and News Exposure

A core focus of our experimental work is how news coverage of specific groups influences intergroup perceptions and extreme prejudice. Drawing on a dyadic harm framework, our research (e.g., Hahn et al., 2026) investigates how media portrayals of intentional harm—specifically the perceived relationship between a "harmful agent" and a "vulnerable victim"—trigger social exclusion and hostility.