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Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
"Everywhere You Look, You'll Find Food": Emerging Adult Perspectives Toward the Food Media Landscape
Paulien Decorte1, Isabelle Cuykx1, Lauranna Teunissen1
1University of Antwerp, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dept. Of Communication Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium.
Abstract:
This study explores what emerging adults value in food media, i.e. food-focused content and personae in media. Emerging adults (18-25) are an important target group for food media as they transition toward nutritional independence and consume media substantially. Seven semi-structured focus groups were conducted with thirty-seven Belgian participants. Thematic analysis revealed three themes (hedonism, ability, information) grouping nine subthemes (entertainment, sensory appeal, convenience, familiarity, cost, autonomy, education, health and fitness, and innovation) characterizing emerging adults' food media experiences. Incidental exposure and interpersonal influences also mark their food media consumption. This demonstrates food media's interwovenness in emerging adults' media habits. Further research should consider these themes and complexities, including their potential impact toward food-related habits and media use.
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