Readers Choose News that Fits Their Views

A new study by Ohio State University suggests that most people who read media messages tend to choose news that fits their pre-existing views.

LiveScience.com reports that the study tracked how college students spend their time reading articles on controversial issues. Participants spent 36% more time reading articles that agreed with their point of view. Even when the students did read articles that countered their views, they almost always balanced that with reading other articles that confirmed their opinions

However, the study also shows that people with individual confidence and certainty, such as people with strong party affiliation or greater interest in politics, are more likely to read articles with opposing views.

A separate study by a Brigham Young University researcher shows that only 5% of online news readers go to political blogs on a daily basis. But they are the most politically active news consumers.