Compton to Present at Eastern Communication Association Annual Conference

Compton to Present Three Papers at Eastern Communication Association's Annual Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Josh Compton, Professor of Speech at Dartmouth College, has been invited to present three of his research papers at the Eastern Communication Association's annual conference in March 2024. Compton's papers were selected after a competitive review process.

In "Inoculation Theory and Health: Current Trends and Movements," Compton traces how inoculation theory—a theory of resistance to influence modeled on the biological processes of inoculation to viruses—has been successfully applied to health communication messaging, particularly in the areas of vaccination promotion, risky behavior deterrence, and mental health. Compton writes, "Inoculation theory is a messaging tool that can empower people across issues and contexts. At its core, inoculation theory is dialogue: inviting voices into conversation with one another, considering counterarguments and refutations, to better reflect diverse perspectives. Health communication scholars are well positioned to lead the way." This paper was selected for presentation by the Health Communication Interest Group of the Eastern Communication Association.

Compton's second paper, "Inoculation Theory, Media, and Communication: Current Theorizing of the Inoculated News Consumer," introduces the idea that conventional "both sides" news reporting might have an inoculative effect on viewers, strengthening their commitment to positions and making them more resistant to change—for better or worse. He writes: "Inoculation effects should be considered irrespective of whether inoculation messaging is being used intentionally or strategically; if the components of inoculation are in place—strategic or otherwise—then conditions for inoculation effects are met." This paper was invited by the Communication Technology Interest Group of the Eastern Communication Association.

Compton's third paper, "Image Repair of Fake News: The Washington Elm in Cambridge, Massachusetts," was also named a Top Paper by the Rhetoric and Public Address Interest Group of the Eastern Communication Association. In this paper, Compton conducts a rhetorical analysis on efforts to push back against the storied history of The Washington Elm—a tree in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that purportedly was the location of General Washington's amassing of troops on July 3, 1775. More to the point, Compton shows how people embraced the legend of the tree even after its veracity was questioned. He explains, "This paper offers a rhetorical analysis of how people rose to the defense of a fake story, offering historical insight into a currently relevant issue: when the falseness of a story is admitted but still preferred to the truth."

Compton will present his research at the 115^th Eastern Communication Association Convention March 20-24, 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.