Under what circumstances (if any) does a frightening message help to persuade people to do something?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A frightening message may be helpful in persuading people to take action if the danger being presented seems real and preventable. This is because people are more likely to act when they perceive a threat that they believe can be avoided or lessened. However, if the danger seems too overwhelming or if the message is presented too often, people may become desensitized to the message and not take action. Therefore, it is important to balance the level of fright with a sense of empowerment and actionable steps for people to take.

Under What Circumstances (If Any) Does a Frightening Message Help