Jacob Groshek, Ph.D.

Since much of my time is spent researching what effects new media might have on political practices and policies, I maintain a profile in some common locations like Facebook and Twitter. I also try to stay current with trends in blogging and citizen reporting. That said, I'm a skeptic of the latest round of Web 2.0 prognostications.

I've yet to see empirical evidence of 'twivolutions' but the hype and anecdotes are a fueling distraction. The media effects landscape, though, is certainly undergoing an important transformation as media audiences become more and more media producers. Though some of my research with Daniela Dimitrova indicated that increased use of blogs for news is related to lower levels of political knowledge, this study was just one snapshot of an older population and much more work needs to be done. Presently, I am examining the reciprocal agenda-setting roles of social media and leading traditional forms of media, with some unexpected results. The evidence I have seen in my own work and elsewhere clearly suggests that societies still needs good fact-checked journalism--not just unfiltered, recycled feeds.

But, as Bob Dylan said, "it's only my opinion, I may be right or wrong, you'll find them both in the the Grand Canyon, at sundown." Leave a comment here, email me groshek "at" eshcc.eur.nl or connect with me elsewhere (Facebook, Twitter, or at work).