"Exploring Media and Attitudinal Factors Impacting Democratically Corrosive Sentiments in the US "

A recent study by researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in collaboration with California State University, Dominguez Hills, New Mexico State University, and Audencia Business School, explores how media consumption and personal attitudes affect negative feelings toward democracy in the United States. Published in The International Journal of Press/Politics, the study surveyed 2,000 participants across the US in 2022.

The study categorizes media use into mainstream news, right-wing media, and different social media platforms. It found that while mainstream news tends to reduce negative sentiments, exposure to right-wing media tends to amplify them. Social media platforms also play a role: platforms like Facebook and Gab, known for stronger ties or extremist content, correlate with more negative sentiments, whereas platforms like Twitter show no significant correlation.

Additionally, the study introduces 'Feelings of Being Devalued' (FBD) as a key factor influencing negative attitudes toward democracy. This concept measures how individuals feel undervalued in society and strongly predicts populist attitudes and beliefs in conspiracy theories, even more than factors like authoritarianism or social dominance orientation.

Overall, the study highlights the significant impact of media on public attitudes and suggests that understanding these dynamics is crucial for promoting democratic health. It calls for further research and policy interventions aimed at addressing these negative sentiments in society.

1. How might different types of media influence public attitudes towards democracy in Japan, similar to what was observed in the United States according to the study?

2. Considering Japan's media landscape, which platforms or types of news might have a similar impact on democratic sentiments as mainstream news and right-wing media do in the US?

3. How could "Feelings of Being Devalued" (FBD) be relevant in understanding public perceptions of democracy in Japan, and what factors might contribute to such feelings?

4. What measures could Japan take to ensure that its media environment supports democratic health, especially in light of the study's findings about social media platforms and negative sentiments?

5. Based on the study's implications, how might Japanese policymakers and media regulators address concerns related to media consumption and its influence on democratic attitudes?