In an era of digital abundance, understanding how people engage with information has become a central concern in journalism and communication studies. One major consequence of information overload is news avoidance, yet the concept remains vague and inconsistently defined. This study compares existing definitions to identify shared elements, differences, and the ways scholars conceptualize “news avoidance” and “news avoider.” As news consumption becomes increasingly selective and audience autonomy grows, leadership in media organizations requires a clearer grasp of why people disengage and how to respond strategically. This analysis is guided by three research questions: How is news avoidance defined? What similarities and differences emerge among these definitions? What theoretical and practical implications can be identified? The study employs a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA protocol. A Web of Science search (October 2025) for the term “news avoidance” initially identified 499 publications; after applying exclusion criteria, 43 articles (2019–2025) were included in the final analysis. The review shows that news avoidance is increasingly conceptualized as a multifaceted, context-dependent practice rather than a uniform deficit. Clearer distinctions now separate stable, trait-like avoidance from fluctuating, state-based behaviors, and scholars apply more consistent terminology, enabling more precise operationalizations aligned with diverse research aims. Drawing on media management and leadership theory, the study highlights the importance of understanding motivational, emotional, and ideological drivers of news avoidance. Such insights help journalistic organizations design audience-centered strategies, ranging from personalized storytelling to more ethical, solutions-oriented journalism that strengthen engagement in an evolving media landscape.

Authors:
Agnieszka Wojtukiewicz, University of Warsaw, Poland

About the Presenter(s)
Agnieszka Wojtukiewicz holds Master's degrees in Economics and Journalism, and is currently a PhD candidate in the field of Social Communication and Media Studies at the University of Warsaw, Poland.

Connect on Linkedin
https://pl.linkedin.com/in/agnieszka-wojtukiewicz-363382177

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