Topic Matters: How Linguistic Properties can Shape Reading Behaviour in Selective Exposure Studies

2026-08-06

AI Summary

This study addresses a critical oversight in selective exposure research: the assumption that texts across different controversial topics are comparable once basic variables are controlled, despite inherent linguistic differences that may systematically influence reading behavior. Combining eye-tracking and natural language processing, the authors quantitatively analyzed gaze patterns and textual features among 68 participants reading news articles on climate change and immigration policy. Results reveal significant topic-level differences in both linguistic properties—such as sentiment valence and syntactic complexity—and attentional allocation, demonstrating that topic-specific linguistic characteristics constitute a methodological confound that cannot be ignored in selective exposure studies. These findings provide crucial empirical grounding for designing more precise interventions aimed at mitigating information diet biases.

Abstract

Research on selective exposure frequently relies on eye tracking to study reading behaviour, often assuming that texts across different controversial topics are comparable once basic controls are applied. This assumption is problematic if topic-dependent linguistic properties systematically shape how users read and allocate attention. We therefore examine whether such properties relate to differences in reading behaviour in selective exposure contexts. We analyse linguistic features and eye-tracking data from a laboratory study in which 68 participants searched for and read news articles on climate change and migration policy. Our results reveal systematic differences in both textual characteristics and reading behaviour across topics. These findings identify an important methodological confound in selective exposure research and highlight the need to account for topic-specific linguistic properties when interpreting eye-tracking measures and designing systems intended to mitigate biased information consumption.

Problem

• selective exposure
• reading behaviour
• linguistic properties
• eye tracking
• topic effects

Innovation

• selective exposure
• eye tracking
• linguistic properties
• reading behaviour
• methodological confound