This systematic review examines the causal and correlational evidence (N = 496 articles) linking digital media use to various political variables. Some associations, such as increased political participation and information consumption, are beneficial for democracy, particularly in autocracies and emerging democracies. Detrimental associations, such as declining political trust, populism, and polarization, are more pronounced in established democracies. The review highlights the dual-use dilemma of digital media and calls for further research and regulation to manage its impact on democracy.
Publisher
Nature Human Behaviour
Published On
Jan 01, 2023
Authors
Philipp Lorenz-Spreen, Lisa Oswald, Stephan Lewandowsky, Ralph Hertwig
Tags
digital media
political participation
democracy
political trust
polarization
populism
information consumption
Related Publications
Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.
