Knowledge Mediation and Narrowed Polysemy in Journalistic Interactive Visualizations

Abstract

This article explores the extent to which journalistic interactive visualizations (JIVs) carry out their role as a unique form of knowledge that is open for users’ exploration and reading. To do so, we offer a tripartite epistemic model that merges existing theoretical approaches to journalistic, visual, and interactive knowledge. The study uses qualitative content analysis of items from eight leading news sites: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Guardian, Economist, Haaretz, Calcalist, Irish Times, and The Currency. Findings show that contrary to their uniquely open potential, most JIVs are designed to narrow users’ space for autonomous reading by employing two types of practices—unfitting visualization and naturalization of particular conclusions—which this article maps and exemplifies. The article concludes with a set of preliminary considerations for guiding a more cautious and democratic production of JIVs.