When it comes to shaping political beliefs, video captivates more than text, according to MIT postdoc Chloe Wittenberg PhD ’23. Wittenberg, who specializes in the study of political behavior, has found that video is an effective tool for helping people understand complex political issues and form their own opinions.
Video has long been used as a tool for political persuasion, but Wittenberg’s research suggests that it is even more effective than text when it comes to influencing people’s beliefs. In her experiments, she found that video was more likely to change people’s opinions than text, and that it was also more likely to be remembered.
Wittenberg believes that video is particularly effective because it allows people to connect with the material in a more emotional way. Video can evoke an emotional response in viewers, which can be more powerful than a logical argument presented in text.
Another advantage of video is that it can be used to present complex information in an accessible way. Wittenberg’s research has found that video can be used to explain complex political concepts in an easy-to-understand way. This makes it easier for people to understand the material and form their own opinions.
Finally, video can be used to present multiple points of view in a single piece. This allows people to get a better understanding of the issue and form their own opinion without feeling like they are being swayed by one side or the other.
Overall, Wittenberg’s research suggests that video is an effective tool for helping people form their own political beliefs. While text can be useful for presenting information in a logical way, video can be more effective at helping people understand and remember complex ideas and form their own opinions.
