Digital information diversity and political engagement: The impact of website characteristics on browsing behavior and voting participation

Abstract

Digital information is a new source of political information for citizens. News websites differ in the diversity of news content that they deliver, and such difference may have varied impacts on political behavior. This study explores the impact of news website characteristics on users’ news browsing behaviors, and in turn on voting participation. Using datasets on Internet browsing and U.S. presidential elections, the study finds indications that both the popularity and apparent bias of websites have an impact on the browsing behaviors of users. Non-biased websites have more user visits and longer user visits than biased websites, which positively correlate with users’ voting behaviors. Also, the longer users navigate news websites and the more users visit the news website, the higher the apparent political participation. The paper concludes with the implications of the research for political systems and news content providers.