Moral foundations, media exposure, and responses to immigration-related media content

This study examines the influence of moral foundations on the selection of immigration-related media content and responses to that content post-exposure. Participants (N = 225) chose one news article to read from a selection of six available that were pro-immigration, anti-immigration, or both for-and-against immigration. Some participants’ article selections aligned with their preexisting moral foundations. Those who read articles that were both for-and-against immigration reported strong willingness to listen to others with a different point of view and strong willingness to help immigrants. Implications associated with moral foundations, media exposure, and behavioral intentions post-exposure are discussed.