FSD3887 Users Commenting on Online News 2020
The dataset is (C) available for research only (including Master's, doctoral and Polytechnic/University of Applied Sciences Master's theses). The dataset may not be used for teaching, study (e.g. seminar papers, essays) or other theses (Bachelor's theses or equivalent).
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Study title
Users Commenting on Online News 2020
Dataset ID Number
FSD3887
Persistent identifiers
https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD3887https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd3887
Data Type
Quantitative
Authors
- Kangaspunta, Veera (Tampere University)
Abstract
The aim of the survey was to explore the various commenting practices of individuals who comment on online news articles. The study sought to examine the motives and goals behind online news commenting, as well as the meanings users attach to the act of commenting.
At the beginning of the survey, respondents were asked which news media they follow online and how actively. They were then asked which media outlets they comment on, which commenting platforms they use, and how frequently they engage in commenting. The survey also investigated which types of news topics respondents comment on most often.
Next, participants responded to a series of statements regarding their commenting practices. These statements addressed, for example, the role of anonymity and the influence of the commenting platform on their behavior. The survey further explored reasons for commenting, both in relation to news content and other users' comments. Respondents were also asked to reflect on the perceived significance of commenting, such as its added value to public discourse and news content.
Background variables in the dataset include the respondent's gender, age, and level of education. Additionally, respondents were asked which political party they voted for in the 2019 Finnish parliamentary elections. The dataset includes responses to open-ended questions in a separate file.
Keywords
internet use; mass media use; news; newspapers; online social networks; participation; social interaction; social media
Topic Classification
- Social sciences (Fields of Science Classification)
- Media (CESSDA Topic Classification)
- Social behaviour and attitudes (CESSDA Topic Classification)
Series
Individual datasetsDistributor
Finnish Social Science Data Archive
Access
The dataset is (C) available only for research including master's theses.
Data Collector
- Kangaspunta, Veera (Tampere University)
Funders
- Journalistisen kulttuurin edistämissäätiö
Time Period Covered
2020
Collection Dates
2020-04-16 – 2020-06-30
Nation
Finland
Geographical Coverage
Finland
Analysis/Observation Unit Type
Individual
Universe
Users commenting on online news
Time Method
Cross-section
Sampling Procedure
Non-probability: Availability
An open online survey targeted at users who comment on online news articles. The survey was promoted through Tampere University's website and social media channels. In addition, information about the survey was relayed to the media via the university at the beginning and midpoint of the data collection period. The survey was covered by the news websites of Kaleva, Kainuun Sanomat, and Yleisradio. Based on the responses, nearly all participants found the survey through one of these three news articles.
A total of 2,727 individuals responded to the survey, of whom 1,394 completed it in full. Respondents who indicated that they never comment on news articles were excluded from the final dataset. The final dataset includes 1,221 valid cases.
Collection Mode
Self-administered questionnaire: Web-based (CAWI)
Research Instrument
Structured questionnaire
Data File Language
Downloaded data package may contain different language versions of the same files.
The data files of this dataset are available in the following languages: Finnish.
FSD translates quantitative data into English on request, free of charge. More information on ordering data translation.
Data Version
1.0
Completeness of Data and Restrictions
The dataset includes responses to open-ended questions 38, 51, 88, and 89 in a separate file.
In addition to the anonymization carried out by the researcher, the Finnish Social Science Data Archive has, when necessary, removed additional direct and indirect identifiers from open-ended responses that may refer to respondents or third parties. The annotations made by FSD in the dataset are marked with [[double square brackets]].
The dataset does not contain variables corresponding to survey questions 7, 26, 87, 93, and 94.
Weighting
There are no weight variables in the data.
Citation Requirement
The data and its creators shall be cited in all publications and presentations for which the data have been used. The bibliographic citation may be in the form suggested by the archive or in the form required by the publication.
Bibliographical Citation
Kangaspunta, Veera (Tampere University): Users Commenting on Online News 2020 [dataset]. Data version 1.0 (2025-09-08). Finnish Social Science Data Archive [distributor]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.60686/t-fsd3887; URN: https://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi:fsd:T-FSD3887
Deposit Requirement
Notify FSD of all publications where you have used the data by sending the citation information to user-services.fsd@tuni.fi.
Disclaimer
The original data creators and the archive bear no responsibility for any results or interpretations arising from the reuse of the data.
Related Materials
Kangaspunta, Veera (2022). Verkkouutisia kommentoivat käyttäjät. Kyselytutkimuksen loppuraportti. Tampereen yliopisto. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-03-2587-9
Related Publications
Kangaspunta, Veera (2021). Internet users' reasons and motives for online-news commenting. International Journal of Communication 15, 4480-4502. https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/17177
Study description in machine readable DDI-C 2.5 format
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