Warnings, Anti-Warnings, and Pacifiers

Abstract

Warnings can play an important part in safety through informing people about hazards and encouraging safe behavior. The effectiveness of warnings, however, can be reduced by contrary messages that counteract the safety information. This paper reviews empirical support and challenges for understanding the effects of contrary messages, including messages that are intended to influence risk perception and behavior (anti-warnings) as well as those that do not proceed from such intentions (pacifiers).

Danger in Public Spaces: Strengths and Limitations of Image- and Text-Based Warning Signs

“…Third, future studies might examine how personal experiences influence the effectiveness of images and warning signs in public spaces. This is important since those experiences influence whether people notice, comprehend, or believe a warning sign (Argo & Main, 2004; Ayres, 2013; Godfrey & Laughery, 1984; Goldhaber & deTurck, 1988). In fact, site-specific research is especially necessary in public spaces since the beliefs and subsequent behaviors of visitors to one park may not be transferrable to visitors of another park (Curtis, Ham, & Weiler, 2010).…”

“…Warnings represent an important way to alert the public about hazardous situations and to provide information that helps them avoid harm (Ayres, 2013). To achieve that goal, warnings must make a lasting impression that can be recalled later, can influence people’s judgments about risks, and can foster compliance when people face hazardous situations (Argo & Main, 2004).…”