Disentangling Public Sphere Fragmentation From Media Choice Expansion: Three Measurement Strategies and Their Implications

Abstract

A notable body of studies and essays explores the hypothesis that the platformization of media is fostering the fragmentation of the public sphere. Nonetheless, this body of knowledge presents conflicting assumptions and methodologies for understanding this relationship. By adopting a systemic approach to the public sphere, this study takes two steps to disentangle these inconsistencies. First, it defines clear differences between the fragmentation of the public sphere and the expansion of media choices. In doing so, it clarifies how concepts like echo chambers and political polarization frequently and inadvertently merge with the fragmentation hypothesis. Second, it identifies three distinct fragmentation types and their corresponding political effects: (a) fragmentation of the public agenda along partisan or ideological lines; (b) reduced agenda convergence; and (c) fewer issues with agenda-setting power. The present study suggests effective measurement techniques for each type of fragmentation, demonstrating how they address gaps in current research.