Assessing the indirect effects of fear of mass shootings on online media usage and attitudes toward gun policy

Research has examined how media consumption relates to fear and policy attitudes, with a growing understanding of their potential interconnections. This study focuses on the fear of mass shootings and its role in the relationship between online media consumption (the Internet and social media) and attitudes toward gun policy. Using a multisite sample of mostly young adults, this study examines: (1) the impact of online media consumption on fear of mass shootings, (2) the influence of fear of mass shootings on attitudes toward gun policy, and (3) the indirect effects of online media consumption on gun policy attitudes through fear of mass shootings. Our results reveal a relationship between online media consumption and fear of mass shootings, and that fear of mass shootings is associated with greater support for stricter gun policies. Additionally, exposure to violent crime news on social media indirectly shapes gun policy attitudes through heightened fear of mass shootings. Findings and implications for future research are discussed.