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Transparency of datafied journalism: Finnish news users’ response profiles to an interventionist audience study Cover

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Transparency of datafied journalism: Finnish news users’ response profiles to an interventionist audience study

Nordicom Review

Volume 47 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Liisa Ovaska

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

The rise of opaque algorithmic systems presents new challenges for journalism, particularly regarding transparency. This includes not only openness about journalistic processes but also about how technologies, like front-page personalisation and audience metrics, shape news production and consumption. Yet, news users’ views on these systems remain underexplored. In this study, I investigate how active Finnish news users respond to features of datafied journalism, especially the use of user data. Using a qualitative longitudinal interventionist approach, I engaged 21 participants in quizzes, group interviews, and chat discussions. After 1.5 years, 18 were re-interviewed to reflect on their earlier participation. Inductive analysis revealed varied reactions to the initial information, differing transparency assessments, and changes in engagement with datafied journalism. Three user response profiles emerged: opt-outs, compliants, and vigilants. These profiles offer insight into how understanding datafied journalism influences users’ perceptions and news consumption.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2026-0014 | Journal eISSN: 2001-5119 | Journal ISSN: 1403-1108

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Language: English

Page range: 126 - 146

Published on: May 22, 2026

Published by: University of Gothenburg Nordicom

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

Keywords:

datafied journalism,

interventionism

Related subjects:

Social sciences,

Communication science,

Public and political communication,

Mass communication

© 2026 Liisa Ovaska, published by University of Gothenburg Nordicom
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 47 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

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