Audience Reactions to Climate Change and Science in Disaster Cli-fi Films: A Qualitative Analysis

Authors

  • Lauren N Griffin University of Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32473/jpic.v1.i2.p133

Keywords:

climate change, narratives, mass media, public understanding of science, focus groups

Abstract

Little scholarly attention has been paid to how audiences interpret pop culture messages about climate. This paper addresses this issue by taking up the case of disaster cli-fi films and exploring how audiences react to film representations of climate change. It draws on data from focus groups to evaluate audience responses to disaster cli-fi films. Analysis reveals that by only briefly discussing climate change in their plotlines, the films weaken their environmental message. The paper concludes with a discussion of the effects of disaster cli-fi films on environmental attitudes and suggestions for further research.

Author Biography

Lauren N Griffin, University of Florida

Post-Doctoral Associate
STEM Translational Communication Center
College of Journalism and Communications
University of Florida

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Published

2017-12-22

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Section

Original Research