Loneliness and the local news environment

Abstract

Abstract Recent research suggests that changes to the media environment have contributed to loneliness in the United States. This work focuses on smartphones and social media, with the decline of local news receiving little attention. We argue that local news promotes social well-being by informing residents about their communities, fostering attachment and a sense of belonging that can reduce loneliness. We provide evidence in two studies. First, using state-level data and multiple measures of news availability, we show that loneliness is higher in states with fewer options for local news. Second, we find in a nationally representative survey that people who rarely consume local journalism report greater loneliness than regular local news consumers. There is some evidence that the relationship is strongest in rural areas, which have experienced severe declines in local news access. We conclude by proposing a research agenda to further explore how community news may support social well-being.