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The policy implications of citizens’ complex media habits

Sat, May 26, 8:00 to 9:15, Hilton Prague, Floor: M, Yoga Room (Cybex Health Club)

Abstract

Fears of misinformation and/or echo chambers increasingly dominate public conversation around how citizens learn about and engage with their political system. Governments and media alike are struggling to assess and address fears that social media and search may be unduly biasing citizens’ political opinions. However, most past work considers flows of information across a single media, such as Facebook or Twitter. This study examines media use and practices such as variety and frequency of media used, fact-checking, etc. by citizens from seven different nations. Evidence suggests individuals have complex media habits and a wide repertoire of media in their diets. Cross-national comparison underscores the importance of considering flows of information through the wide media system. Public policy needs to be developed in this context and focus must be put on threats to the wider system rather than any individual media platform.

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