Research on media change and media innovation focuses on the digital transformation of media as well as its impact on individuals and society. In particular, research in this area explores how communication technologies shape the individual, social, and psychological aspects of modern life. Our research in this area highlights a (new) media environment that has both positive and negative implications for several democratic aspects such as information acquisition, political knowledge, political discussion, and political participation.

Media and Innovation is a cross-cutting topic, spanning several research traditions of our Department. For instance, scholars at the Department of Communication explore the role of changing media environments for professional journalism. This comprises the effects of audience feedback (on social media) on journalism culture, journalistic interactions with each other on Twitter, journalistic branding on Twitter, or the role of non-traditional actors such as Instagram bloggers when engaging in activities that may be classified as journalism. Scholars also investigate the impact of social media on various aspects of democratic and everyday lives, for instance, looking at the consequences of smartphone use in young people’s everyday lives as well as Instagram use and subjective life-satisfaction. Also the role of political information in changing media environments is a key research area, especially with respect to misinformation. Finally, strategic communication scholars look into the risks and opportunities of ICT for companies.