News Use, Political Knowledge, and Misperceptions in 18 Countries across the Global North (Elements in Politics and Communication) - Softcover

Aelst, Peter Van; Gehle, Luisa; Schemer, Christian; Strömbäck, Jesper; Zoizner, Alon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1009632477 ISBN 13: 9781009632478

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2026

Synopsis

The established idea that people learn about politics and relevant societal issues via the news media can be put into question because of a 'twin challenge of increased media choice.' First, there is a growing number of people who choose to avoid most news which leaves them uninformed about what is happening in politics and society. Second, people may form their beliefs based on false and misleading information, leading them to become misinformed about current political issues. This Element investigated both challenges based on data from a large comparative survey in eighteen Western countries. Consistent with the existing literature, the results largely confirm the added value of staying informed through using traditional news media, the public broadcaster in particular. In contrast, consuming news from newer media sources such as social media and messaging apps is typically associated across countries with less knowledge and more misperceptions about political matters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009632477
• ISBN 13: 9781009632478
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 108