The Internet, selective learning, and the rise of issue specialists

Citation:

Work data:

Type of work: Article (academic)

Categories:

e-Democracy | e-Politics | Politics and Political Science

Tags:

knowledge gap

Abstract:

Using national survey data (N = 1,208) in the U.S., the present study found that individuals relying upon the Internet translated their interest in the health care issue into issue–specific knowledge. However, those who depended on network TV, newspapers, and radio failed to display a high level of issue–specific knowledge, even when they were interested in the issue. The findings suggest that the Internet plays an important role in fostering issue specialists rather than generalists.