Cable TV & Internet: A Double-Edged Sword for Political Engagement

Who would have thought that, in our age of constant connectivity, people wouldn't be more informed about politics? That's right! While cable TV and the internet have flooded us with political info, our political know-how hasn't really improved. Surprising, isn't it? You see, it all boils down to what we like to watch or read. If you're into news, access to new media makes you more knowledgeable and more likely to vote. But if entertainment is your thing, it's a different story. Those who prefer entertainment and have access to cable TV and the internet are actually less informed and less likely to vote. How do we know this? Researchers used data from the National Election Studies and Pew surveys to create a measure called Relative Entertainment Preference (REP). Basically, they found that the more we enjoy entertainment, the less politics seems to matter. So, while new media can be great for politics, it depends on what we choose to consume. If we stick to entertainment, we might be missing out on the political facts that can really make a difference. Food for thought, isn't it?