Beyond Socio-Demographics: Explaining Adolescents’ News Exposure From a Social Cognitive Perspective

• In Event: Social Influence on Media Use and Effects (TOP PAPER ENTRY)

Abstract

This study contributes to the discussion about adolescents’ news exposure by identifying the determinants of news attendance in different media. It is based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and, more specifically, the Social Cognitive Model of Media Attendance by LaRose and Eastin (2004), additionally integrating parental and peer influences. In a survey with 1.477 adolescents aged 12 to 19, habit strength was shown to be the most consistent predictor for news consumption. Moreover, differences between media channels were found. While parental influence was related to TV and newspaper consumption, peers influenced online news attendance. However, the model explained only small to moderate portions of the variance in adolescents’ news exposure. This result might indicate the relevance of incidental, unintended news exposure not accounted for by SCT. Implications of our findings for further research are discussed.

Authors

• Katharina Emde, Hanover U of Music, Drama, and Media

• Christoph Klimmt, Hanover U of Music, Drama, and Media

• Daniela M. Schluetz, Hanover U of Music, Drama, and Media