Carry-over effect of single media exposure and mass-mediated contact with remote outgroups: From asylum seekers in Europe to an Israeli local outgroup

This research investigated the effects of a single exposure to media content of a distinct valence and mass-mediated contact with a distant minority outgroup on feelings/attitudes toward a local outgroup. Experimental Study 1 was conducted among 314 Israeli Jews. The findings of Study 1 showed the effects of a single exposure to positive and negative media items about asylum seekers in Europe on perceived threats posed by them. In this study we did not find a carry-over effect of single-exposure to a media item about asylum seekers in Europe on feelings toward the local outgroup—asylum seekers in Israel. Study 2 was conducted through an online survey among 1039 Israeli Jews. It showed the effect of recurring mass-mediated contact with asylum seekers in Europe on perceived threats posed by them. Both Study 1 and Study 2 found carry-over effects of realistic and symbolic threats from asylum seekers in Europe on feelings/attitudes toward asylum seekers in Israel. The findings of Study 2 also showed a carry-over effect of positive mass-mediated contact with a distant outgroup on attitudes toward a local outgroup. Based on the findings, we conclude that the positive media framing of distant outgroups may promote tolerance and acceptance of local outgroups.