Story adapted from an article originally published on MSU Today.
“Twisters,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 heart-pounding action movie “Twister,” has touched down on the big screen during summer thunderstorm season.Meteorologists hope this Hollywood blockbuster will communicate the urgency of heeding severe weather messaging.MSU faculty are studying public opinion of those messages to gauge their effect.
John Besley, Ellis N. Brandt Professor of Public Relations, says such disaster films provide opportunities for larger discussions about where science fiction meets science fact.
“It’s not so much that it’s about teaching people about tornadoes or storms,” Besley said. “People who watch these movies may form beliefs about the issues the scientists in the film are investigating.And that’s an important role for entertainment to play in society.”
Research indicates many people ignore tornado warnings based on their own experience with severe weather.Some may follow the assumption that “it won’t happen to me,” while others may view multiple storm warnings as overstating the threat.Besley says severe weather betboom dacha isn’t just about warning people, but to also inform them of what to do to protect themselves.
“There’s a misconception in science betboom dacha that the purpose of risk betboom dacha is to communicate risk information,” said Besley.“The purpose is actually to help people make decisions that make sense for them.Sometimes, it’s indicating the benefit of taking action or helping people recognize that they have the ability to take action.It’s not just about scaring people.”
With that in mind, Besley has a message for filmmakers who write scripts about communicating tornado watches and warnings.
“Don’t portray people as dumb just because they’re making poor choices,” Besley said. “And don’t show scientists as tweed-coated know-it-alls who are out of touch with the real challenges people face.”
By: Kevin Lavery