Wei, RanRanWeiDr. GUO JingZhang, XinzhiXinzhiZhangLo, Ven-HweiVen-HweiLo2026-03-272026-03-272026Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 2026.0883-81511550-6878http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/27042This study examines the predictors and behavioral outcomes of hostile media perception of campus protest. Data from a national online survey of 1010 respondents during the 2024 American campus protests show that hostile media perception fueled strategic social media activity – strengthening in-group bonds and disengaging from opponents. Additionally, conspiracy beliefs moderated these effects, intensifying or reducing the impact of hostile media perception on polarized social media behavior, depending on belief strength.enPeer Reviewed Journal Article10.1080/08838151.2026.2642912