Work

The role of multi-platform news consumption in explaining civic participation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A communication mediation approach

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: This study employs the orientation–stimulus–reasoning–orientation–response (O-S-R-O-R) framework to examine how multi-platform news consumption is associated with civic participation during the COVID-19 pandemic (offline and via social media) and how this relation is mediated by civic talk and civic attitudes. A survey was administered to 1500 adults in Belgium. Results from structural equation modelling indicate how civic talk with weak ties is not associated with civic attitudes or participation. Analysis of indirect effects reveals that multi-platform news consumption stimulates two different types of participation, through civic talk with strong ties and civic attitudes. The results shed light on previously unexplored pathways towards participation, while providing support for the O-S-R-O-R framework and highlighting the role of social media as an emerging arena for civic participation.

Source: New Media & Society

DOI: 10.1177/14614448211058701

Authors: Cato Waeterloos, Michel Walrave, Koen Ponnet

Institutions: Ghent University, University of Antwerp

Language: English

Topic: Communication and COVID-19 Impact

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Universiteit Gent

Award: G2017873667