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A Tale of Two News: The Impact of Media Outlets on Consumption Choices

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Carlos Angulo

    (Department of Economics, Universidad Iberoamericana)

  • Aldo Gutierrez-Mendieta

    (School of Social Sciences and Government, Tecnologico de Monterrey)

Abstract

How does exposure to multiple, sometimes conflicting, news stories influence individuals’ consumption choices? We address this question through a survey experiment in which participants are randomly assigned to receive one or two news headlines related to avocado consumption.These vignettes present either a positive framing (health benefits) or negative consequences, such as environmental damage or links to organized crime. After each exposure, we measure participants’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a standard product using a contingent valuation method. Our findings show that the content and emotional framing of information matter more than the number of exposures. The strongest effect comes from conflict-related news, which significantly reduces WTP. When participants receive two headlines, the second exposure tends to drive the response, especially in cases with conflicting information. Overall, these results suggest that consumers react not only to the presence of information but also to how it is framed. Even when the product remains unchanged, the tone and content of the message influence economic decisions in subtle but measurable ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Carlos Angulo & Aldo Gutierrez-Mendieta, 2025. "A Tale of Two News: The Impact of Media Outlets on Consumption Choices," Working Paper Series Sobre México 2025005, Sobre México. Temas en economía.
    • Handle: RePEc:smx:wpaper:2025005
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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