Who Experiences Growth in News Media Literacy and Why Does It Matter? Examining Education, Individual Differences, and Democratic Outcomes. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tully, Melissa; Vraga, Emily K.
• Is Part Of: Journalism & mass communication educator. Volume 73:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 181
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: news media literacy -- political disagreement -- democracy -- survey -- panel study; Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; 070.07
• DOI: 10.1177/1077695817706572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-6958

Abstract

Developing news media literacy skills is recognized as an important part of becoming an informed citizen, but not enough research examines how growth in media literacy differs by individual characteristics. Using a panel study of undergraduate students, we examine which predispositions predict growth in news media literacy beliefs over the semester. We then test whether growth in news media literacy leads individuals to more highly value and engage in heterogeneous political discussion, a critical part of a functioning democracy. Our results suggest some individuals experience more growth in news media literacy, and that growth contributes to democratic attitudes and behaviors.