The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has announced exciting opportunities for one PhD student and one Postdoctoral Media researcher to join a new research project exploring the impact of negative news on society.
The project, titled “Navigating Negativity: What Is a Healthy News Diet?”, aims to investigate how exposure to negative news influences public understanding of societal issues and how it may affect people’s mental well-being and media consumption habits.
The research project is led by Kim Andersen, Associate Professor at the Centre for Journalism at SDU.
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About the Media Research Project
The project explores an important question in modern media environments:
When does exposure to negative news help people stay informed about important societal issues, and when does it harm mental well-being or cause people to avoid news altogether?
With the rapid expansion of digital media, audiences are constantly exposed to large volumes of information. This project aims to better understand how individuals engage with negative news content and how it shapes their perceptions and media behavior.
The study will use several research methods, including:
- Data donation approaches to analyze real user data
- Content analysis of news coverage
- In-depth interviews with audiences
- Survey data to measure public attitudes and behavior
These methods will help researchers gain deeper insights into the relationship between news consumption, information quality, and mental well-being.
Media Research Team and Collaboration
The project will be conducted at the Centre for Journalism at the University of Southern Denmark, a leading research institution in media and communication studies in Europe.
The research team includes:
- Lene Heiselberg
- David Hopmann
Both affiliated with the Department of Political Science at SDU.
The project will also collaborate with an international research network including:
- Anna Sophie Kümpel
- Toni van der Meer
- Adam Shehata
This international collaboration will provide a strong interdisciplinary research environment for the selected candidates.
Funding
The research project is funded by VELUX FONDEN, a major Danish foundation supporting scientific and social research projects.
Funding ensures that the PhD and Postdoctoral researchers will have the resources and support needed to conduct high-quality research within a collaborative academic environment.
Eligible Backgrounds for Media
The project welcomes candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds, including:
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Communication Studies
- Political Science
- Computer Science
Candidates with strong research skills and an interest in media effects, digital communication, and public engagement with news are especially encouraged to apply.
Why Apply
Joining this research project provides an excellent opportunity to:
- Work on a cutting-edge research topic related to digital media and society
- Collaborate with international experts in journalism and communication research
- Conduct interdisciplinary research using multiple methodologies
- Gain experience in advanced academic research in Europe
The University of Southern Denmark offers a vibrant research environment, strong international networks, and excellent facilities for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
Application Deadline
📅 Deadline: 22 March 2026
OFFICIL LINK : CLICK NOW FOR PhD
OFFICIL LINK : CLICK NOW FOR Postdoc
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official job postings for the PhD and Postdoctoral positions.
