The Daily Show Effect

Is there a prescription you can take if your news is always soft?

An article published in American Politics Research journal finds that when exposed to The Daily Show, people report more confidence in their "ability to understand the complicated world of politics", but are more likely to be cynical of the electoral system and the news media at large.

Jody Baumgartner and Jonathan S. Morris, researchers and authors of the article, come to the conclusion that though research shows a contribution of 'Soft News' to democratic society by drawing in new interest in politics and world news, their "findings indicate that The Daily Show may have more detrimental effects," such as "driving down support for political institutions and leaders among those already inclined toward nonparticipation. "

Bad Stewart, no Emmy!