Communication of Risks and Benefits of Nanotechnology: the Issue of Societal Acceptance of Emerging Technologies

Frewer, Lynn J.; Fischer, Arnout R.H.; Trijp, J.C.M. van

doi:10.1002/9783527634798.ch14

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…There is ample evidence that the introduction of a new technology may induce apprehension and concern (Frewer et al, ). This seems particularly the case in relation to technologies that impact the human body, such as nanodesigned food (Capon, Gillespie, Rolfe, & Smith, ; Frewer, Fischer, & Van Trijp, ; Siegrist, Cousin, Kastenholz, & Wiek, ; Siegrist, Stampfli, Kastenholz, & Keller, ). If this apprehension leads individuals to abstain from consuming the respective product, individuals will also miss out on their benefits (Frewer, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk and benefit perceptions of human enhancement technologies: The effects of Facebook comments on the acceptance of nanodesigned food

Kuttschreuter

Hilverda

2019

Human Behav and Emerg Tech

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The introduction of a new technology, such as a human enhancement technology, may induce apprehension and concern among the general public. Social media enable individuals to find information and share their insights and concerns regarding new technologies. This results in an abundance of viewpoints that guides the individual's acceptance and decision‐making. A relevant question for this special issue is to what extent attitudes toward human enhancement technologies are influenced by online cues that signal the views of other people without obvious relevant expertise, such as online comments (social proof). An online experiment focusing on the enhancement of human health and the functioning of the human body through the application of nanotechnology in food was conducted. The study investigated to what extent social proof impacted views on the application of nanotechnology in food. The valence of comments on a fake Facebook image with four comments was manipulated (positive, negative, mixed). A representative sample of Dutch Internet users (n = 289) completed the study. Perceptions, feelings, behavior, and information need were measured. Results showed that comment valence had a significant effect on risk perception, benefit perception and attitude: the more positive the comments read by the participants, the lower risk perception, the higher benefit perception and the more positive the attitude toward nanodesigned food. Significant interaction effects of initial feelings of dread and comment valence were further found for risk perception and willingness to buy. In contrast, there were no significant interactions of initial feelings of optimism and comment valence. Implications for risk communication regarding human enhancement technologies are discussed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk and benefit perceptions of human enhancement technologies: The effects of Facebook comments on the acceptance of nanodesigned food

Kuttschreuter

Hilverda

2019

Human Behav and Emerg Tech

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“…Previous technologies, such as genetic modification, biotechnology, and nuclear energy have met with considerable public resistance, leading to rejection of these technologies by the public at large (Currall et al, 2006;Einsiedel and Goldenberg, 2004). Certain applications of nanotechnology hold the risk of running into similar issues (Frewer et al, 2011;Gupta et al, 2012;Siegrist et al, 2008). Consumer response may thus significantly influence the development of nanotechnology.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in the influence of affect and cognition over time on consumer attitude formation toward nanotechnology: A longitudinal survey study

Giesen¹,

Fischer²,

Trijp

2016

Public Underst Sci

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Insights into how consumer attitudes toward nanotechnology are formed and develop are crucial for understanding and anticipating possible barriers in consumer acceptance of nanotechnology applications. In this study, the influence of affect and cognition on overall opinion is investigated longitudinally for emerging nanotechnologies, and compared with conventional technologies. Overall, in attitude formation toward nanotechnology applications, people rely relatively more on affect than cognition. Over time, reliance on affect decreases whereas reliance on cognition increases for nanotechnology. This suggests that over time nanotechnology applications have become somewhat more integrated within people's already existing knowledge structure. However, for conventional technologies the influence of affect and cognition on overall attitude remains stable over time. The current study shows that it is essential to address both affective and cognitive aspects of public opinion of nanotechnology.

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Communication of Risks and Benefits of Nanotechnology: the Issue of Societal Acceptance of Emerging Technologies

Cited by 2 publications

References 35 publications

Risk and benefit perceptions of human enhancement technologies: The effects of Facebook comments on the acceptance of nanodesigned food

Risk and benefit perceptions of human enhancement technologies: The effects of Facebook comments on the acceptance of nanodesigned food

Changes in the influence of affect and cognition over time on consumer attitude formation toward nanotechnology: A longitudinal survey study

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