Citizens, Europe and the Media

"Conti and Memoli make a very compelling argument that citizens' attitudes towards the European Union are affected by their media diets and that social media may be contributing to the diffusion of Eurosceptic views. This is a path-breaking contribution and a must-read for anyone who is interested in media effects and the future of European integration." (Prof Cristian Vaccari, Royal Holloway University of London, UK and University of Bologna, Italy) "This valuable and insightful book investigates the relationship of public Euroscepticism to media. They show that with the advent of "Web 2.0", the first generations of 'netizens' and social networkers have been more inclined to negative sentiments regarding the EU, a fascinating but disturbing phenomenon that has significant implications and consequences for the future of the European Union." (Prof Kenneth Benoit, London School of Economics, UK)

Citizens, Europe and the Media - Have New Media made Citizens more Eurosceptical?The volume presents the most comprehensive survey to date of citizens’ use of media and attitudes towards the EU. It shows that the media have a definite, but differentiated, impact on citizens’ attitudes. A broad use of media positively influences support for the EU, as it refines citizens’ cognitive capabilities and understanding of the European reality. However, prevalent use of online media serves to channel more critical attitudes and disaffection for the EU. A negative climate, particularly on the rise on the Internet and among the young and well-educated generations of active users, could influence the context where the most important political decisions on the EU are taken. This could give a completely new perspective to EU development that, in the past, has always been about creating an ever closer union and whose path might be more difficult in the future if collective action through the Internet becomes a major challenge.