Work

What does the news say about Siri, Alexa, and co.? A topic model network analysis of Dutch news messages about virtual assistants between 2011 and 2022

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: News media can shape public perceptions of technology and meaningfully inform research on technology adoption. Yet, little is known about the news representations of a currently emerging technology: Virtual Assistants (VAs). By examining the Dutch news coverage (2011–2022; N = 2059) using the Analysis of Topic Model Networks, this study found that (1) news attention peaked in 2019 with a decline in the years thereafter (until 2022) and (2) discourse shifted from personal impact frames (niche interest) to societal impact frames (broader relevance). Findings inform media effect studies on VA adoption by illustrating what people might be learning about VAs.

Source: New Media & Society

DOI: 10.1177/14614448251413694

Authors: Rebecca Wald, Theo Araujo, Johanna MF van Oosten, Jessica T Piotrowski

Institutions: Netherlands Youth Institute, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Media Studies and Communication

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

OpenAlex ID: W7127913575

FWCI: 13.95

Cites: 36

Cited by: 1

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