Engaging in the digital public sphere
Citizens’ perspectives on online news comments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/journalistica.v20i1.159838Nøgleord:
deliberative quality, news comments, online journalism, public sphere, user-generated contentResumé
This study examines public perceptions of user-generated news comments, focusing on three key research questions: how the public assesses their democratic quality, how they view the role of journalists, and how these perceptions relate to patterns of engagement, including reading, reacting, and contributing. The analysis is based on a survey conducted in autumn 2024, representative of the Swedish-speaking population in Finland. Findings reveal contrasting views on the democratic potential of comment sections. While some respondents – particularly older individuals and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds – view them as vital spaces for civic expression and dialogue, a larger share, especially younger and more affluent participants, consider them toxic and lacking in respectful deliberation. Furthermore, the study reveals a broad support for journalistic involvement, both in the form of moderation and providing factual input, though views differ by gender, age, education, and income. Engagement is positively associated with perceptions of deliberative value and journalistic presence, while strict moderation may discourage participation. Overall, the study sheds light on the tensions between democratic ideals and actual user experiences, offering nuanced insights into how perceptions, demographics, and platform practices shape participation in digital public discourse.
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