A joint initiative between the University of Bergen
and CMI – Chr. Michelsen Institute
Brita Ytre-Arne (UIB)
Why do we keep checking our smartphones all the time? How do we relate to news that are scary or emotionally draining? What happens when we are overwhelmed by too much information?
In 2020, the catchphrase “doomscrolling” appeared to describe experiences of constantly updating for pandemic news. The global COVID-19 outbreak is a massive 24/7 news story across journalism and social media, and a situation that affects all of us in our everyday lives. But other major news topics are also scary and unsettling, from the polarization and political turmoil of US politics, to the glooming threats of climate change. News users look for information and confirmation of what goes on in the world, but also feel the need to disconnect and shield themselves.
In the talk, Brita Ytre-Arne will draw on ongoing qualitative research about Norwegian news users during the pandemic, and explain the concepts news use, avoidance and doomscrolling.
Brita Ytre-Arne
is professor of media studies at the University of Bergen, and co-leader of Bergen Media Use Research Group. She has done extensive qualitative research on news users, published in journals such as
Journalism and International Journal of Press/Politics. She is currently researching news use and digital disconnection in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note that according to corona virus regulations all participants must keep a distance of at least one metre from each other and maintain good hand hygiene. If you have any respiratory tract symptoms you should stay at home. According to the infection control measures, we need to have an overview of who is present at all times and thus kindly ask all who plans to participate to sign up beforehand
via this link.
Seating is limited, so first come, first served.
Photo: Afga.com
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