Symbols (language) and narratives embedded in culture create meaning: Navigating risk communication research to shape beneficial societal outcomes in turbulent times

Historically, these are difficult and challenging times that permeate numerous modern societies. People are living in times of rapid technological, social, economic, and political upheaval. Here is where the study and application of risk communication is imperative to navigating risk communication research and shaping beneficial societal outcomes during turbulent times. To advance this orientation, this essay's purpose is to advocate for risk communication scholars to re-focus on the fundamental communication principle that symbols (language) as parts of narratives create a sense of meaning for risk bearers lived experiences that are embedded in cultural perspectives and socially-constructed interpretations of risk while having confidence in the field's body of knowledge created over the past five decades to advance the field's scholarship; all the while tackling contemporary issues such as misinformation and disinformation by being guided by the ethical and policy principle of right to know. In a sense a return to more studies based on traditional speech and organization communication theories, a return to more studies critically examining the effects of risk communication messaging and dialogue on risk bearers' lived experiences that appreciates historical context of our field's body of literature already developed, and a commitment to studying and giving agency to marginalized groups who too often bear the brunt of massive technological expansion.