Multiplatform news consumption and its connections to civic engagement

What is it about?

First I outline the characteristics of media platforms that might make them more or less conducive to civic information sharing and civic engagement: information density, immediacy, normalization, and interactivity. Understanding that platforms may vary along these four criteria, I measure the contributions of six platforms to civic engagement: TV, print, radio, computer, smartphone and tablet. I look for combinations of these platforms and types of content they carry, and measure connections to civic engagement. Most information gathering systems have a positive impact, especially when users consume news on multiple platforms. But watching television, breaking news and crime is related to lower levels of civic engagement.

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