Examining the influences of news use patterns, motivations, and age cohort on mobile news use: The case of Hong Kong

Abstract

Adopting perspectives from media displacement, complementary uses, and uses and gratifications theories, this study examines the relationships and dynamics between mobile news use and use of other mediums for accessing the news. Findings from a national sample in Hong Kong, which has among the highest mobile phone penetration rates in the world, found support for all perspectives. Those in the 18–34 and 35–54 cohorts were mostly multiplatform users of news, yet subgroup analyses reveal different patterns of complementary uses and displacement. Moreover, results showed that different gratifications predict mobile hard news use and mobile soft news use. Implications and future prospects for mobile news are discussed.