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Picture Power? The Contribution of Visuals and Text to Partisan Selective Exposure

Author

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  • Thomas E. Powell

    (Amsterdam School of Communication Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam)

  • Toni G. L. A. van der Meer

    (Amsterdam School of Communication Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam)

  • Carlos Brenes Peralta

    (Centre for Political Science, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica)

Abstract

Today’s high-choice media environment allows citizens to select news in line with their political preferences and avoid content counter to their priors. So far, however, selective exposure research has exclusively studied news selection based on textual cues, ignoring the recent proliferation of visual media. This study aimed to identify the contribution of visuals alongside text in selective exposure to pro-attitudinal, counter-attitudinal and balanced content. Using two experiments, we created a social media-style newsfeed with news items comprising matching and non-matching images and headlines about the contested issues of immigration and gun control in the U.S. By comparing selection behavior of participants with opposing prior attitudes on these topics, we pulled apart the contribution of images and headlines to selective exposure. Findings show that headlines play a far greater role in guiding selection, with the influence of images being minimal. The additional influence of partisan source cues is also considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas E. Powell & Toni G. L. A. van der Meer & Carlos Brenes Peralta, 2019. "Picture Power? The Contribution of Visuals and Text to Partisan Selective Exposure," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 12-31.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v:7:y:2019:i:3:p:12-31
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sendhil Mullainathan & Andrei Shleifer, 2005. "The Market for News," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(4), pages 1031-1053, September.
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    3. Sendhil Mullainathan & Andrei Shleifer, 2005. "The Market for News," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(4), pages 1031-1053, September.
    4. Zuiderveen Borgesius, Frederik J. & Trilling, Damian & Möller, Judith & Bodó, Balázs & de Vreese, Claes H. & Helberger, Natali, 2016. "Should we worry about filter bubbles?," Internet Policy Review: Journal on Internet Regulation, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), Berlin, vol. 5(1), pages 1-16.
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    Cited by:

    1. María Luisa Humanes, 2019. "Selective Exposure in a Changing Political and Media Environment," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 1-3.
    2. Garz, Marcel & Sood, Gaurav & Stone, Daniel F. & Wallace, Justin, 2020. "The supply of media slant across outlets and demand for slant within outlets: Evidence from US presidential campaign news," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).

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