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

Across democracies traditional media still matter for an informed public.

The established idea that people learn about politics and relevant societal issues via the news media can be put into question. First, people choose to avoid most news. Second, people may form their beliefs based on false and misleading information. This Element confirms the added value of staying informed through using traditional news media.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.