Fourth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

Drawing on a survey of 204 Egyptians ages from 19 to over 66 years old, conducted between January and March 2019, the study compared the levels of political tolerance of those who use new media as their source of political information to those who use conventional ones, shedding light on the role of Facebook in exposing users to different ideas and opinions contributing to the process of political tolerance. Results show that those who use new media as their source of political information were more tolerant than their counterparts. Also younger respondents were found to be more tolerant than older ones. However, the role of Facebook was a bit complex, as the study shows that not all Facebook users are subjected to new ideas, opinions and news sources. Users’ selective exposure on Facebook and Facebook algorithms hinder the process of political tolerance. Most of the respondents lacked tolerance towards the least liked group, although they don’t see them as a threat on real ground, it is just that the least liked group doesn’t fit with their values and views.