1. The Messenger is the Medium: Communication and Diffusion Principles in the Process of Behavior Change.
- Author
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Valente, Thomas W. and Myers, Raquel
- Subjects
- *
COMMUNICATION & technology , *TECHNOLOGICAL innovations , *INTERPERSONAL communication , *MASS media , *MULTIMEDIA communications , *DIFFUSION of innovations theory - Abstract
The most common approach to communicating health promotion messages has been through a single medium, either radio or television. But, as technology and communication advances, experts agree today that it is important, in order to accelerate behavior change, to use a multimedia approach when communicating health promotion messages. This article discusses how communication, in particular interpersonal communication, can be incorporated into community action and other health promotion efforts. Diffusion of innovation theory provides the foundation for this article and we begin by discussing its principles, followed by an explanation of its use in evaluating mass media campaigns. Throughout, we will highlight the importance and role played by interpersonal communication and social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010