News avoidance and its effect on the informed citizen in a democratic society
By following the news citizens become informed of issues and developments in society. A requirement for well-functioning democracy. However, more and more people are turning away from the news. What does this mean for the informed citizen and the role of news media in a democratic society?
Objective
How the public navigates through the widespread news landscape, and why they choose whether or not to consume something, is important to understand the changing role of news media when informing citizens. The purpose of this PhD research is to gain concrete insights into new avoiders, their motivations and how they are informed.
Results
This PhD research is currently ongoing. During the research at least four papers willen be submitted to peer-review, ISI ranked journals. Results will also be published in trade magazines and on the blog of the research group journalismlab.nl. The results will also be used for educational material.
Duration
01 February 2020 - 01 January 2025
Approach
The research on news avoidance consists of four studies:
- What is news avoidance?
Literature study en Delphi-method among journalism experts
- What are the motivations and implications of news avoidance in everyday life?
Interviews with news avoiders
- Who are the different types of news avoiders?
Survey – profieles
- How and to what extent are news avoiders informed?
Experience sampling method
- Effects of news avoidance on well-being and civic engagement
Longitudinal survey
HU researchers involved in the research
Collaboration with knowledge partners
This PhD research is under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Yael de Haan (HU, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht), Prof. Dr. Rens Vliegenthart and Prof. Dr. Sanne Kruikemeier, both working at Wageningen University & Research.
