The multiplicity of news sources across social media and its Implications on users' consumption patterns and perceptions

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Faculty of Mass Communication, Al-Azhar University, Cairo

10.21608/jsb.2025.367012.1900

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the Implications of news source diversity on social media on users’ consumption patterns and perceptions through a field study targeting a sample of digital platform users. It employs a comprehensive questionnaire addressing five core dimensions: the extent to which users rely on social media as a primary news source, the quantitative and qualitative multiplicity of sources and perceptions of repetition and contradiction, patterns of active and passive interaction with news, the influence of diversity on consumption habits such as frequency, verification, and incidental exposure, and finally, shifts in perceptions encompassing trust, critical thinking, and information overload. The study found that source diversity significantly impacts consumption patterns by increasing frequency and incidental exposure while leaning toward shallow consumption, and it influences perceptions by enhancing critical thinking and trust in repeated news alongside heightened information overload during contradictions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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