Impact of open-mindedness on information avoidance: Tailored vs. generic communication

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Authors
Meng, Delong
Wang, Siyu
Advisors
Issue Date
2024-02
Type
Article
Keywords
Information avoidance , Bayesian persuasion , Experiment
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Meng, D. & Wang, S. (2024). Impact of open-mindedness on information avoidance: Tailored vs. generic communication. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, vol. 108, art. no. 102152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2023.102152
Abstract

This study explores the impact of open-mindedness on tailored versus generic information communication. We develop a preference formation model and formulate the following hypotheses: (1) in the case of generic information, open-minded individuals tend to avoid information less, resulting in them being better-informed; (2) with tailored information, close-minded individuals display stronger resistance, necessitating the sender to provide additional information for effective persuasion. Our experiments validate the core theoretical predictions, with a few observed behavioral deviations: individuals tend to avoid more information than predicted, particularly when it is tailored. Our structural model attributes this reluctance to resistance in altering one's worldview. This study makes a significant contribution to the application and testing of preference formation theory while also raising questions about the practical effectiveness of commonly used tailored communication strategies.

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Publisher
Elsevier Inc.
Journal
Book Title
Series
Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics
vol.108, art. no. 102152
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
2214-8043
EISSN