Reflections onHearing the Other Side, in Theory and in Practice

Audience and Expert Perspectives on Second Screen Engagement with Political Debates

“…E2 and E4 preferred Political Date, identifying that one-on-one conversation in the context of a political debate would be less intimidating, less time demanding, and more entertaining. Contrary to E7's citation of Mutz [35], they felt that the way the interaction is structured may even feel supportive due to the highlighting of similarities between users. E4 felt that the tool would be more engaging if it matched people based on opposing views on key issues such as immigration, instead of differences in party allegiance.…”

“…. ] when they agree with each other", citing Mutz [35], who identifies a common misconception that the public want to discuss and deliberate, whereas in reality whereas in reality only a minority of informed individuals participate.…”

“…However, while diversity in political discourse was desired by everyone, the experts identified the risk that extreme political opinions could alienate the general public. Existing research also gives us conflicting perspectives: Semaan et al [40] show that people actively seek out an audience that is diverse in political opinion, while Mutz [35] shows that people seek out supportive and homogenous political deliberation environments. Although our participants expressed a desire for diverse opinions, the experts were critical of the extent to which people really wanted to be challenged.…”

Campaigning Through Cable: Examining the Relationship Between Cable News Appearances and House Candidate Fundraising

“…Recent work has demonstrated a growing disdain for out-partisans (Groenendyk et al, 2020) as well as some distaste for their own party (Groenendyk, 2018; Klar et al, 2018). These negative feelings can lead to citizens disengaging from politics (Klar & Krupnikov, 2016; Mutz, 2006) and some even being reticent to admit their our partisan affiliations (Klar & Krupnikov, 2016). One would think that cable news brings about all the behaviors that trigger the attitudes observed above.…”