When thinking about topics like political candidates or social policies, we tend to seek information that backs up our existing opinions and beliefs while avoiding contrary views.
This is selective exposure, and Internet technologies are likely exacerbating this behavior, according to Ivan Dylko, an assistant professor in the communication department at the University at Buffalo.
“We tend to look for information that confirms our points of view,” says Dylko. “It bolsters self-esteem, helps us effectively cope with political information overload, but on the other hand, it means we’re minimizing exposure to information that challenges us.
“Technology allows us to customize our online information environment.”
Beyond Newsweek Versus Time
Dylko has developed a model, published in the journal Communication Theory, that explores customizability’s political impact and suggests how the “automatic and consistent inclusion, exclusion, and presentation of information” encourages political selective exposure. He has also conducted an experimental study to test his model, the subject of two research papers currently under peer review.
