Internet Connectivity, News Consumption, and Algorithmic Literacy: A Global Perspective
In was October 2024, we had the opportunity to head to Washington D.C. present some of our work at TPC’s 52nd Research Conference on Communications, Information, and Internet Policy. TPRC is an interdisciplinary organization that leverages research on Internet-related policy questions to support researchers, policymakers, and private sector professionals in this field. It was our first visit to the conference, and hopefully will not be our last. The paper we presented was entitled The Impact of Internet Connectivity in Navigating Online Social Networks: A Cross-Country Analysis. Let’s get into the study.
First, it’s important to note that Internet connectivity is not uniform across the globe. High-income countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have enjoyed robust Internet infrastructure for years, ranking as “Leaders” in the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) connectivity index. These nations boast exceptional access, affordability, and digital readiness, enabling widespread Internet use. By contrast, many countries continue to face challenges in building and maintaining reliable connectivity.
Existing research on the intersection of Internet connectivity and news consumption often focuses on high-connectivity countries. This leaves critical gaps when applied to more diverse global contexts. Inspired by this prior work, our research takes a broader approach, examining how Internet connectivity influences online behaviors in countries with varying levels of digital access.
Our study surveyed over 450 OSN users in the U.S., U.K., India, and South Africa, integrating these responses with GSMA data to analyze infrastructure, affordability, and content readiness. This heterogeneous mix of countries allows us to capture the nuanced interplay between connectivity levels, algorithmic literacy, and online engagement.
The conference itself changed our research in a rather important way. As you’ll see below, we discuss an Internet user’s “reliance on OSNs for News information.” I italicize reliance because prior to this conference, we referred to this as “trust in OSNs for News information.” Having a discussion on the elusive meaning of “trust” particularly depending on country and context, reframed the way we think about this variable. It’s much more accurately described as a reliance on these OSNs for news information. That is to say, how much a user goes to the OSN for information, rather than seeking it out somewhere else – online or offline.
Key Findings
Reliance on OSNs for News
Connectivity significantly shapes how users approach news consumption on OSNs. In high-connectivity countries like the U.S. and U.K., users exhibit lower reliance on OSNs for news. This trend may reflect higher levels of algorithmic literacy, critical thinking, and awareness of misinformation risks. Conversely, in India and South Africa, where connectivity is less robust, younger and more educated users reported a stronger reliance on OSNs for news, suggesting these platforms serve as a primary information source in contexts with fewer traditional alternatives.Avoiding Echo Chambers
The study highlights differences in proactive behaviors aimed at avoiding echo chambers. Younger and more educated users in all regions showed a higher likelihood of taking steps to expose themselves to diverse viewpoints, indicating that education plays a pivotal role in fostering critical engagement with online content. However, users in high-connectivity countries reported lower concerns about algorithmic manipulation, suggesting a potential complacency or overconfidence in navigating digital spaces.Perceptions of Platform Environment
Perceptions of OSN platform environments also vary by platform and region. Twitter and Facebook users expressed significant concerns about toxicity and bias compared to Instagram users, who generally viewed their platform environments more positively. These findings suggest that content management practices and platform culture shape user experiences and perceptions.
Why This Matters
Our research has critical implications for policymakers, educators, and OSN platforms. As Internet connectivity expands globally, understanding how users interact with online environments becomes increasingly important. Connectivity alone does not guarantee safe and informed digital participation; it must be paired with education and resources that build algorithmic literacy and critical thinking skills.
For policymakers, this means prioritizing digital literacy programs, especially for older and less educated populations who may be more vulnerable to misinformation and algorithmic manipulation. In emerging economies, where connectivity is rapidly growing, these efforts are especially urgent to ensure equitable and responsible digital access.
For OSN platforms, the findings reinforce the need for improved content governance. Platforms must take greater responsibility for addressing misinformation and creating environments that encourage healthy, informed interactions.
On behalf of the Internet User Behavior Lab (IUBL)
Read IUBL’s pre-publication: The Impact of Internet Connectivity in Navigating Online Social Networks: A Cross-Country Analysis by Alex Krause Matlack, Bryan C. Boots, Theo S. Richardson-Gool :: SSRN
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