Interpersonal Communication Paper

My research goals for the next two years, though still being narrowed and prioritized, fall under a focus on consumer behavior, specifically in choices made when purchasing food products. I would like to gain a better understanding of the role communication plays in attracting certain populations to specific food items, while dissuading other options. There is much emphasis today on the purchase of organic, non-GMO, and foods generally deemed “sustainable.” Subsequently, conventional products are often given a negative perception as being undesirable, harmful to the environment, and even dangerous. Scientific research indicates that conventionally produced foods are of equal nutritional value, environmental sustainability, and safety for consumption

In doing so, I feel our industry could more effectively reach and appeal to populations where some types of foods may be seen as an inferior option. Building upon a marketing and mass media angle, I think it is important to assess the influence that people have on each other through interpersonal communication. Identifying the ways in which the behaviors or collectively shared beliefs of ones social group might affect decisions made about food can reveal a lot about these choices. For some, food production can be a controversial topic and it is important to understand how people’s environment might encourage or discourage the use of different types of food sources. Anything from friends and family, to newspaper material and online affiliations might have a large impact on people’s perceptions and beliefs. Looking at the ways in which these sources provide information and how effective they are at determining behaviors may provide more insight into how certain foods are more accepted in certain

By comparing the data between specific regions in which fewer resources and fewer efforts are put into media portrayal of different types of foods, we might be able to find a connection between exposure and decisions when making purchases. This is not to leave out other influencers, but to possibly identify a linkage between exposure to certain perspectives in media related to food and consumer preferences of those audiences. Overall, through my research I hope to gain a broadened understanding of perception of the agricultural and food industries. In this way I can be better equipped to address the needs, concerns, and perspectives of consumers. Food is the lifeline of human life, and producing a product that is safe, affordable, and accessible for all of society is of utmost importance. Minimizing skepticism regarding food production and sources is needed for the success of all aspects of the agricultural industry, from organic to conventional and the science behind them. It is my goal to help communicators in the industry address concerns and more effectively communicate clear and transparent messages in the