Research areas
Research at JMG primarily focuses on five areas. The SOM Institute is also affiliated with the department, an independent research organization that surveys Swedes’ habits, behaviors, opinions, and values on issues related to society, politics, and news and media use.
Digital culture and digital media
In recent decades, the media landscape has undergone extensive development, with digital media creating new conditions for both the production and consumption of media and media content. Digital media permeate people's lives and are present in all parts of society. Research on digital culture and digital media at JMG thus spans a broad range, encompassing both production and consumption, content, and media structures.
Media audiences and media use
People's use of various media is central to both the users themselves and to the media and the development of society. This applies to both traditional news media and digital media and apps. Different media and genres fulfill various needs and functions for users, while media are in turn dependent on users for their impact and economic viability. Media use is also important for the development of society, as media of various kinds constitute a central source of information and platforms for discussion.
News and social journalism
Journalism is in a transformative phase where media technology innovation, new information flows, and pressured economic conditions are reshaping its core and its future. The legitimacy of journalism is under pressure and its fundamental values are partly threatened. The development shows how journalism meets challenges in new forms of work, new forms of storytelling, and in its relations with the audience.
Political communication
Politics is ultimately about communication. Political communication between political leaders, authorities, media, and citizens is therefore of great importance for politics and its conditions, for the media and their coverage of politics and society, and for citizens and their knowledge, perceptions of reality, and opinions. It is therefore of great importance for democracy and the way it functions.
Risk and crisis communication
We live in a society characterized by various risks and crises, where knowledge about these is crucial for society's preparedness. JMG's research on risk and crisis communication has a clear citizen and societal perspective and touches on issues based on theories of democracy, power, culture, technological development, and adaptation, norms, and institutions. A central part concerns mediated communication as media and journalism play a crucial role in society's risk and crisis management.
