SAGE Journal Articles

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Journal Article 14.1: Eisinger, R. M. Veenstra, L. R., & Koehn, J. P. (2007). What media bias? Conservative and liberal labeling in major U.S. newspapers. The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics, 12(1), 17–36.

Abstract: This article tests the hypothesis that major U.S. newspapers disproportionately label conservative politicians. We quantitatively analyze ideological labels of U.S. congresspersons and senators in newspaper articles. We then qualitatively review these articles, seeking to discern if any patterns exist, and if so, why. Disproportionate labeling of conservatives exists but not in a way that constitutes “bias,” as newspapers often label liberals, at times more than they do conservatives. These labeling patterns may be explained by the rise of conservatives who entered Congress in 1994, the political pejorativization of the word liberal, and the increased conservative ideological tenor of the Congress during the past fifteen years. We conclude by discussing possible implications of our findings.

Journal Article 14.2: Bode, L., Vraga, E. K., & Troller-Renfree, S. (2017). Skipping politics: Measuring avoidance of political content in social media. Research & Politics.

Abstract: Selective exposure is a growing concern as people become more reliant on social media for political information. While self-reports often ask about exposure to political content on social media, existing research does not account for the fact that even those exposed to political content may still choose to ignore it. To effectively account for this, we employ corneal eye tracking software, such that we can observe users’ gaze and the amount of time they actually spend with political content. Consistent with expectations, the earlier a cue that a post is political, the faster a user skips over it. This trend is concentrated among those least interested in politics. Implications for how we think about social media and political information flows in the modern media environment are discussed.

Journal Article 14.3: Lee, E.-J., Oh, S. Y., Lee, J., & Kim, H. S. (2018). Up Close and Personal on Social Media: When Do Politicians’ Personal Disclosures Enhance Vote Intention? Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly95(2), 381–403.

Abstract: Two experiments investigated how politicians’ personal disclosures on social media might affect individuals’ vote intention. In Study 1 (n = 240), a male politician’s Facebook posts centering on his private life (vs. impersonal posts highlighting public activities) enhanced U.S. participants’ intention to vote for him, mostly by heightening likability. By contrast, a female politician’s personal Facebook posts lowered perceived competence, and thereby, vote intention among those who considered Facebook ill-suited for relational purposes. Using Twitter, Study 2 (n = 258) mostly replicated the findings among South Korean participants, confirming bounded benefits of publicizing politicians’ private persona via social media.

Journal Article 14.4: Crilley, R., & Gillespie, M. (2019). What to do about social media? Politics, populism and journalism. Journalism20(1), 173–176.