Defining the Moments of Transition: When Do Chat Groups Become Meso News-Spaces?

Abstract

Messaging apps increasingly shape the domain of political and news-related communication. Leaning on theoretical and methodological advancements in the special issue, this commentary aims to further define the characteristics of meso news-spaces based on the expanded typology of chat groups. To move beyond the techno-deterministic framework and the binary division on “public” and “private” platforms, this commentary necessitates a positive definition for meso news-spaces. Emphasizing deliberation-oriented qualities of meso news-spaces, it proposes to classify chat groups that facilitate discussion, involve wider than immediate social circle, and establish their own rules, as meso news-spaces. Directions for further research and methodological implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Chat groups
• messaging apps
• meso news-spaces
• deliberation

Acknowledgements

I thank Emilija Gagrčin, Eedan Amit-Danhi, and the editors of this special issue for their valuable comments and suggestions.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).