The Effects of Intellectually Humble Communication in Online Political Discussions

Abstract

This dissertation examines the effects of intellectual humility (IH) and intellectually humble communication on political discussions online. The research is informed by the frameworks of democratic deliberation, computer-mediated communication and social media affordances, and intergroup communication theory. I conducted three separate studies. The first analyzes the effects of intellectually humble communication on political attitudes (political interest, deliberative bias, affective polarization) and cross-cutting discussion willingness through increased comprehensive IH (CIH) or specific IH (SIH). Results indicated no significant mediation although CIH had direct effects on deliberative bias and affective polarization. In the second study, I adapted political interest and affective polarization measures to reflect the specific issues incorporated in the experimental conditions (gun control, immigration). I found that IH communication predicted SIH through perceived message humility. Results also indicated that issue interest moderates the relationship between SIH and specific issue cross-cutting discussion willingness. In my final study, I examined whether CIH moderated the relationship between intergroup threat and uncivil attitudes and responses. CIH did not interact with intergroup threat, but did have direct negative effects on attitudes and intentions. Additionally, the negative relationship between CIH and uncivil responses was strongest among people with high affective polarization. This dissertation contributes to the current literature by examining IH as a state that can be increased by exposure to communicated IH, and as a personal quality that can deter uncivil reactions. Practical implications and limitations are considered for future research.