Abstract

Overview

The study aims to assess how selective reporting of study results that highlight increased health risks affects individuals' perceptions of risk.

Findings

• The study utilizes the example of the Interphone Study on mobile phone usage and cancer from 2010.
• An online experiment divided respondents into two groups: one receiving selective information on a link between heavy mobile phone use and higher risk of glioma (brain cancer), and another receiving complete information on glioma risk assessments.
• Findings suggest that selective reporting escalates risk perception compared to when full information is provided.
• Selectively informed subjects showed a broader generalization of the elevated brain cancer risk to all mobile phone users, although this did not translate to other EMF sources or affect perceptions related to usage time dependency of potential health risks.

Conclusion

Reporting comprehensive study results plays a crucial role in effective risk communication, aiding in balanced risk perception and preventing overgeneralization of health risks associated with mobile phone usage.