뉴스 댓글은 왜 여론의 지표로 여겨지는가? 여론 추정 단서로서 댓글의 기능과 영향에 관한 고찰 = An Examination of the Function and Impact of User Comments as Cues to Public Opinion

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The present study aims to examine the role and impact of user comments in online political communication through a comprehensive review of the existing literature. Previous research has shown that user comments on online news have a pervasive influence on the acquisition of political information, the evaluation of news and media outlets, and the opinions and behavior of readers. Furthermore, despite their lack of representativeness or authenticity, user comments have been considered as cues to public opinion or public opinion itself. User comments provide quasi- statistical information that enhances understanding of public opinion, allows citizens to discuss public issues, and provides information to infer public opinion. In this way, user comments have come to play the role of public opinion. There are three reasons why user comments have a crucial role in shaping public opinion. First, comments provide specific examples that are easily understandable and momorable. Second, users tend to make automatic judgments using minimal social cues and information. Lastly, the media tends to rely on unreliable data as a basis for public opinion.