SHORT-FORM VIDEO PLATFORMS AND THEIR IMPACT ON NEWS CONSUMPTION & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

The research paper examines changes in news consumption, literacy, and civic engagement resulting from short-form video platforms. Through a systematic review of the latest literature, the study finds evidence on the platform's affordances, curation, formats, and behaviour. It points out the possibilities and threats that are apparent on the platform. The discussion indicates a greater accessibility of the young generation due to incidental views, the visual narrative, and interactivity on the platform, and also indicates the depth and level of evaluation the platform brings, thus resulting in a false perception of the platform and media. This, in turn, enhances polarization and filtering of the media, particularly as the audience and reliance of people on the platform increase. These dynamics bring into question the issue of democratic equality and equity on the platform and in the media, as would be deduced in the literature. Significant knowledge gaps are identified, including longitudinal evidence, cross-platform and cross-cultural comparisons, and a lack of evaluation of intervention effectiveness. Overall, the findings emphasize how crucial it is to have coordinated, evidence-based strategies that ensure short-form video platforms facilitate rather than undermine informed civic participation and democratic discourse.