Analyzing data from a nationwide online panel survey in South Korea, this study examined the impact of media use on attribution of responsibility to individuals and the government, perceived risk, and policy support regarding the problem of fine dust in the atmosphere. Our study found that media use had a direct and indirect effect on policy support through attribution of responsibility to individuals and the government and perceived risk related to the air pollution problem. The results also showed that people’s attribution of responsibility to individuals and the government played a large role in mediating the association between media use and perceived risk, which could consequently affect support for public policy aimed at mitigating the fine dust problem. 

Keywords: media use, fine dust, attribution of responsibility, perceived risk, policy support