Lifestyles and gratifications obtained from news: Comparing science news with health news and political news

Abstract

This study adopted uses and gratifications theory to examine the relationships among lifestyles, gratifications obtained, and the use of science, political, and health news. Two methods were adopted, the first of which was to conduct 23 interviews. The second method was a nationwide telephone survey that obtained 949 valid questionnaires. The data analysis yielded three conclusions: (1) among the four types of variables, gratifications obtained were the most powerful predictors for the use of the three types of news; (2) users and nonusers of science news or health news were differentiated mainly by lifestyles, while users and nonusers of political news were differentiated mainly by mass media use; and (3) users of the three types of news differed greatly. Science news users used new media, and were likelier to have a lifestyle of learning and self-development, while political and health news users preferred and trusted traditional media sources, the latter seeking a lifestyle of pleasure.