Researchers developed the Content Dimensions–Overton Window–Perceived Utility (COP) Model to explain why people consume and share different kinds of news. The model focuses on three factors in any news item: veracity, emotional appeal and relevance. The team also used the Overton window to describe which ideas the public finds acceptable at a given time.
To test the model, they analysed more than 10,000 tweets about COVID-19. The analysis measured likes and which tweets were "ratioed" (that is, received more negative replies than likes). The researchers ran emotion and sentiment analyses to assess tone, trust and relevance.
Results showed people respond strongly to emotional tone, especially negative emotions such as fear, anger and disgust. Even when content was less true, if it felt emotionally satisfying and relevant it was more likely to be liked and shared. The study recommends that platforms use like/reply ratios and emotion signals, and that media literacy programmes be taught from an early age.
Difficult words
- veracity — How true or accurate something is
- emotional appeal — Ability of content to make people feel
- relevance — How important or connected something is
- ratio — To receive more negative replies than likesratioed
- sentiment — Overall feeling or attitude in a message
- media literacy — Skills to understand and judge media information
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Related articles
Territory fights help Ngogo chimpanzees have more babies
Study of Ngogo chimpanzees in Uganda finds that killing neighbouring groups and expanding territory led to more births and much better infant survival in the three years after expansion.
Who decides tropical medicine research?
A new analysis finds most journal editors in tropical medicine come from wealthy countries. The study links editorial imbalance to funding gaps and calls for more diversity, local training and fairer partnerships.
Calorie restriction improves muscle insulin response in old rats
In 24-month-old rats, eating 35% less for eight weeks changed many muscle proteins and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Males and females showed different molecular responses, and two proteins may be targets for diabetes treatment.
Antibody therapy clears traces of multiple myeloma
A phase 2 trial found that an antibody drug, linvoseltamab, removed detectable disease in patients with multiple myeloma using very sensitive bone marrow tests. Researchers report acceptable safety and will expand the trial.
Antibody and EGFR–STAT1 pathway point to new fibrosis treatments
Researchers at Yale found a human antibody that blocks epiregulin and lowers fibrosis markers. They also show EGFR activates STAT1 in fibroblasts, suggesting two treatment paths: block epiregulin or target the EGFR–STAT1 pathway.
New device measures blood viscosity in real time
Researchers at the University of Missouri created a non-invasive device that monitors blood viscosity and density in real time using ultrasound and software. It can read blood without drawing samples and may help in diseases like sickle cell.