In today's rapidly evolving media landscape, the decline in traditional news consumption has become a pressing issue with significant implications for society. A well-informed citizenry is essential for the functioning of a healthy democratic regime. However, the traditional news outlets that have served as primary sources of information are experiencing a decline in readership and viewership.To adapt to this changing landscape, news organizations and the production of news are undergoing profound transformations. This research proposal aims to address a fundamental shift in news distribution, wherein professional news organizations are increasingly partnering with social media. This partnership blurs the distinction between consumers and producers of news, as the audience members themselves become distributors of news content through social media platforms.
As a result of this transformation, news is no longer solely produced and disseminated by traditional media outlets but has become a social product shaped by the strength of social ties. The prevailing logic of news flow has shifted from a vertical model, where news organizations deliver information to audiences, to a horizontal network model. The influence of this social network logic on news flow and the quality and diversity of information raises important questions regarding the effects of SNS proliferation on news production.
Moreover, this shift in news consumption has significant implications for society. Consumers now receive information blends curated by their SNS "friends," who may not possess professional journalistic standards. This raises concerns about the quality and heterogeneity of the information reaching citizens and its subsequent impact on their political behavior and beliefs. Understanding these effects and the characteristics of social media audiences is crucial for comprehending the evolving nature of news consumption and its influence on citizens' political knowledge.
To shed light on these issues, this research project investigate the effects of this proliferation on news production, focusing on the quality and diversity of information presented. Additionally, it aims to explore the characteristics of SNS audiences to gain insights into their preferences and behaviors. Furthermore, by conducting longitudinal research, the project aims to examine the long-term effects of news distribution and consumption via social media on citizens' political knowledge, behavior, and beliefs.
By capturing this phenomenon at its outset and exploring its evolution over time, the research project aims to provide valuable insights into the future trajectories of news production and consumption. It also aims to contribute to a more precise understanding of media influence on citizenship in the digital age. Ultimately, this research has the potential to shape policies, media practices, and public discourse to ensure a well-informed citizenry and the vitality of democratic processes in an increasingly interconnected world.