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Towards the operationalization of controversial news: a study of online news articles and reader comments during the 2017 presidential election in South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Chan Woo Kim

    (Center of BigData Analysis, OPINIONLIVE)

  • Hyejin Park

    (SUNY-Albany)

  • Yeon-Ok Lee

    (SOAS University of London)

  • Han Woo Park

    (YeungNam University)

Abstract

In this brief research note, we propose a set of concepts and methods for identifying and operationalizing controversial news items. Based on an analysis of online readers’ comments posted in response to political news articles in the lead-up to the most recent South Korean presidential election (May 9, 2017), we develop what we term as “controversy indicator.” We calculate a controversy score using the total number of reader comments and the proportion of “upvotes” (indicating approval) and “downvotes” (indicating disapproval) a given news article elicits. Our findings demonstrate the potential usefulness of the controversy indicator in understanding the contemporary news environment, which is becoming increasingly divisive and polluted with disinformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chan Woo Kim & Hyejin Park & Yeon-Ok Lee & Han Woo Park, 2019. "Towards the operationalization of controversial news: a study of online news articles and reader comments during the 2017 presidential election in South Korea," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(3), pages 1097-1108, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:53:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s11135-018-0804-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-018-0804-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Han Woo Park, 2014. "Mapping election campaigns through negative entropy: Triple and Quadruple Helix approach to South Korea’s 2012 presidential election," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 99(1), pages 187-197, April.
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