Matthew Placek
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About Matthew
Placek's research generally focuses on democratic transitions and the politics of non-democratic countries. Placek is substantively interested in the effect of the internet and social media on public opinion and behavior in new democracies and non-democratic regimes. Placek's research examines these areas in Central and Eastern Europe and Post-Soviet Eurasia, but Placek has also conducted research in other regions with co-authors.
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Publications
Discusses online news consumption leads to more positive evaluations of government and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe.
Elaborates on how Russian social media users have less trust in institutions and political actors, but more satisfaction with the economy and the level of democracy in Russia. Discusses how furtehr Russian Twitter and Facebook users are more critical of key actors and their handling of democracy.
Discusses how using the internet as an information source leads people in autocratic regimes to understand key characteristics of democracy as essential. Mentions how It also leads people in both hybrid regimes and autocracies to see characteristics of authoritarianism as not aligned with democracy.
Discusses increased support for democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. Mentions how the general use rather than finding news via social media provides more consistent effects on a person's support for democracy in CEE.