News Use, Political Knowledge, and Misperceptions in 18 Countries across the Global North

Author:   Peter Van Aelst (University of Antwerp) ,  Luisa Gehle (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) ,  Christian Schemer (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) ,  Jesper Strömbäck (University of Gothenburg)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
ISBN:  

9781009632447


Pages:   108
Publication Date:   19 March 2026
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
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News Use, Political Knowledge, and Misperceptions in 18 Countries across the Global North


Overview

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.

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Author:   Peter Van Aelst (University of Antwerp) ,  Luisa Gehle (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) ,  Christian Schemer (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) ,  Jesper Strömbäck (University of Gothenburg)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
ISBN:  

9781009632447


ISBN 10:   1009632442
Pages:   108
Publication Date:   19 March 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: political knowledge challenged by the high-choice media environment; 2. Methodology and data; 3. News use and political knowledge; 4. News use and misperceptions; 5. The importance of media channels; 6. Variations across countries; 7. Discussion; References.

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