Visible Beyond Control? Fragmented Attention and Hypervisibility Trap in the Online Media Coverage of Politically Active Youth

Abstract

This article analyzes online news media attention paid to youth political actors within the theoretical contexts of media fragmentation and hypervisibility. Quantitative analysis of more than 500 articles representing six cases of youth involvement in political or civic issues reveals their significantly selective coverage, absence on mainstream television’s online news websites, and strong disinformation media interest in those actors whose activities either align with or contrast outlets’ agendas. We argue that this media selectivity in the coverage of youth political actors and their tendency to spotlight them by stressing their identity aspects has significant consequences for democracy, both in terms of societal cohesion and the empowerment of youth political actors.