Investigating the Relationship between Media Consumption, System Justification, and Political Efficacy-Related Beliefs in the Hungarian Context

Abstract

This study investigates the complex relationship between media consumption, system justification, and sense of political efficacy. System justification pertains to the belief that the current system functions properly, while a sense of political efficacy refers to one’s confidence in influencing politics.

We hypothesized that consuming different media types (pro-government, independent, both, or neither) is associated with distinct levels of system justification and a sense of political efficacy. Pro-government media consumers were expected to exhibit the highest level of both system justification and a sense of political efficacy. We tested these hypotheses with a representative sample of 1000 Hungarian participants (526 females and 474 males) with an average age of 45.7 (SD = 16.9).

Our findings confirmed that pro-government media consumption is linked to increased system justification and a sense of political efficacy, while independent media consumption is associated with reduced levels of both. However, the influence of independent media was not solely demobilizing. An indirect effect emerged, where independent media consumption was associated with reduced system justification, leading to the perception that voting holds significance in shaping political decisions presumably to change the unfair system. Importantly, these effects persisted even after controlling for relevant variables.

In conclusion, we highlight the significant role of media portrayals in shaping polarized perceptions of the existing political system. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of how media consumption influences societal perceptions.