Citizens, Europe and the Media

The volume presents the most comprehensive survey to date of citizens’ use of media and attitudes towards the EU. It shows that the media have a definite, but differentiated, impact on citizens’ attitudes. A broad use of media positively influences support for the EU, as it refines citizens’ cognitive capabilities and understanding of the European reality. However, prevalent use of online media serves to channel more critical attitudes and disaffection for the EU. A negative climate, particularly on the rise on the Internet and among the young and well-educated generations of active users, could influence the context where the most important political decisions on the EU are taken. This could give a completely new perspective to EU development that, in the past, has always been about creating an ever closer union and whose path might be more difficult in the future if collective action through the Internet becomes a major challenge.