Hostile Media Phenomenon

Explanations > Theories > Hostile Media Phenomenon

Description | Research | Example | So What? | See also | References 

Description

Opposite groups, such as at football matches, will both perceive balanced and neutral views as hostile to their side. This is why referees are universally disliked.

We see the world through the eyes of our own side and thus have very biased view of anything about situations where we compete.

Research

Vallone, Ross and Lepper (1985) showed news broadcasts about the Middle East to Arabs and Israelis. Each group thought the broadcasts were biased towards the other side.

Example

Fighting children will both will see intervening teachers as being 'unfair'.

So what?

Using it

Beware of treating innocent bystanders as being 'on the other side' (they are actually potential recruits!). 

See also

Selective Perception

http://www.wlu.ca/~wwwpress/jrls/cjc/BackIssues/21.4/karlberg.html

References

Vallone, Ross and Lepper (1985)

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