A FEEDBACK LOOP: THE ENTANGLED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWITTER AND U.S. CABLE NEWS

Abstract

The advent of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has ushered in a transformative era in media consumption, empowering audiences with enhanced opportunities for engagement and interactivity. Traditionally passive news consumers are now evolving into active participants in information dissemination and consumption. While mechanisms facilitating audience feedback are not entirely novel, as evidenced by earlier research on talk radio (Hofstetter & Gianos, 1997; Squires, 2000) and newspaper letters-to-the-editor, the digital age has ushered in a dynamic shift in audience involvement. This study explores the evolving landscape of audience engagement through new ICTs and examines the profound implications for news consumption. Drawing from an interdisciplinary perspective, it delves into the mechanisms, motivations, and consequences of audience participation in contemporary media. Leveraging insights from previous research, the study sheds light on the transformation of passive news audiences into active contributors and assesses the broader implications for media, democracy, and society.