Although consumers have easy access to an array of information through diverse channels including the mass media, the internet, and so forth, their opinions may differ from those of such information communicators due to the difficulty of assessing the...
Although consumers have easy access to an array of information through diverse channels including the mass media, the internet, and so forth, their opinions may differ from those of such information communicators due to the difficulty of assessing the accuracy of any given item of information, and the inconsistency between a specific fact and the message intended to deliver it, as well as the inappropriateness of expression, etc. As such, social values and experience rather than scientific facts may have a greater impact on the appraisal of risks. Amid this situation, if the government, the press, experts and consumers have a similar level of perception of the diverse existing or future risks, the problems of social costs and psychological anxiety can be resolved. Thus, this study aims to pinpoint the relevant potential risks and develop suitable risk communication strategies. This study develops consumer-tailored education and publicity programs, defines the priority of various risk factors, and analyzes risk communication cases. The education program was conducted from February 19 to March 8, targeting 257 housewives in their 30s~60s living in the Greater Seoul area. Three education programs were implemented, and surveys were conducted before and after these programs to appraise their effects. The three programs consisted of lectures, an observation tour, and self-study based on materials. Surveys were also conducted to define the priority of the given risk factors. Success and failure cases of local and overseas risk communication, as well as consumer counseling cases were gathered and analyzed in a bid to research on systematic and effective measures regarding risk issues. Analysis of the risk factor priority survey revealed that of ten factors, irradiated foods, GMOs, and environmental contaminants were perceived as the more dangerous. In a comparison of the subjects' attitudes before and after the education programs, the observation tour was found to have altered the subjects' attitude and evaluation more positively than the lectures and self-study. The analysis of success and failure cases of local and overseas risk communication, and of consumer counseling cases, suggested that to reduce the risk of failure, efforts should be made to quickly define and resolve those factors which arouse emotion, and thereby improve the situation.