Channel Surfing: The Ties Between Twitter, Traditional Media, Parasocial Relationships, and Self-Perceived Knowledge on Current Events

• In Event: News Audiences: New Findings

Abstract

A survey asked news consumers about their opinions regarding self-perceived knowledge and parasocial interaction between online print websites, broadcast news outlets, and Twitter. Results of this study suggest consuming news from online print news websites and following national news generate the strongest feelings of self-perceived knowledge about current events. Contrary to the increasing call for “multimedia journalists,” this study finds the benefits of having parasocial relationships with readers on one medium won’t get carried over to other media. In addition, Twitter followers tend to react similarly to news organizations and individual journalists in terms of re-tweeting, commenting on, replying to tweets, sending messages, and clicking on links. This indicates users are accustomed to viewing news organizations and individuals as a whole package rather than two separate parties. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Authors

• Steve Bien-Aime, Penn State

• Fan Yang, Pennsylvania State University