215. Why Do We Really Follow the News?

The episode argues that people follow the news less for civic duty and more for entertainment, comparing political coverage to sports fandom. It cites research showing media like newspapers and radio increased voter turnout, while early TV reduced it by displacing political content with entertainment. The discussion extends to how cognitive biases and science literacy deepen cultural polarization when consuming news.

It reframes news consumption as entertainment-driven behavior, backed by economic and psychological research, challenging the myth of the 'informed citizen.'

1. 01News consumption is driven more by entertainment and suspense than by a desire to be informed or fulfill civic duty.
2. 02Historical data shows newspapers and radio increased voter turnout, but early TV decreased political participation by replacing news with entertainment.
3. 03Higher science literacy increases cultural polarization because people use their knowledge to reinforce existing beliefs.