Abstract

MERLO, Ana Isabel  and  PEREIRA, Sara. Os jovens e o acompanhamento da informação sobre a atualidade: questões a partir da análise de Relatórios sobre usos e práticas mediáticas. OBS* [online]. 2016, vol.10, n.3, pp.80-97. ISSN 1646-5954.

Based on data from national and international statistical reports, we try to reflect on the trends about news uses in the daily lives of young people, in recent years, and how current practices contribute to an increase of civic participation. In the three studies analyzed (Pew Research Center (2012), Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (2013) and Marktest (2012), respectively), it was observed that there has been a decline in the interest of news in general and an increase in the preference for media content located between the sphere of information and entertainment, at the expense of political affairs. Reflecting upon news uses by young people, some authors argue that the infotainment or soft news could jeopardize the future of journalism and democracy (Mindich, 2005; Barbur & Goodnow, 2011; Barnhurst & Wartella, 1998; Currah and Franklin, cit in Nguyen, 2012; Baumgartner & Morris, 2006; among others), while others advocate a positive impact on the survival of the media and training of young citizens (Barnet, Schudson and Brewer & Marquardt cit in Nguyen, 2012; Armstrong, 2005; among others). Despite the controversial debate, it is stated that the path to citizenship resides on the development of critical skills about information and the ability of young citizens to express their interests and ideologies making use of the potentialities of new media (Dahlgreen, 2011; Buckingham, 2000). This article is part of the PhD Scholarship "The (dis)interest of young people in actuality: study on the role of the media in information about the world" (SFRH/BD/94791/2013) funded by FCT, QREN and POPH.

Keywords : Young people; news; information; entertainment; citizenship; media literacy.

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