Information Preferences and Media Consumption Patters in European Societies
Kseniya Kizilova (Institute for Comparative Survey Research) - Austria
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Abstract
This paper presents key findings from the Horizon Europe TRUEDEM project, focusing on the evolving information preferences and media consumption patterns across European societies. Drawing on comparative survey data and digital trace analysis conducted across multiple EU member states, the study explores how citizens navigate an increasingly fragmented media landscape. We examine the role of socio-demographic factors, political orientation, and trust in institutions in shaping individual media preferences, including the use of traditional outlets, digital news platforms, and alternative information channels. The analysis reveals significant cross-national variation in media trust and usage among the European public, with younger and more digitally literate populations favoring social media platforms, while older demographics remain anchored in legacy media. Moreover, we identify a growing polarization in information preferences, particularly in contexts marked by declining institutional trust and populist mobilization. These patterns carry important implications for democratic resilience in Europe, as selective exposure and echo chambers may deepen societal divides and erode shared factual foundations. By integrating behavioral data with attitudinal insights, the TRUEDEM project offers a nuanced understanding of how Europeans engage with information in the digital age. The presentation concludes with reflections on policy strategies to foster inclusive and trustworthy media ecosystems across diverse European societal systems.