Table 1.

Variables corresponding to the theoretical framework for ideas-engagement

Aspect of frameworkLabelVariablesDescription
Ideas engagementIE1Value of ideas-engagement (keeping well-informed)The value respondents place on keeping themselves well-informed. For example, by finding out more about different ideas or perspectives; learning more about scientific discoveries and new technology; and/or discovering more about different aspects of history and culture (including arts, literature, etc.)
Ideas engagementIE2Value of ideas-engagement (staying up-to-date with current affairs)The value respondents place on staying up to date with current affairs. For example, by staying abreast of political and economic events; keeping up to date with sport; engaging with health-related developments; finding out more about new products, services or forms of media/social media; and/or maintaining an overview of the news generally
Ideas engagementIE3Seeking out ideasThe frequency with which respondents seek out ideas (e.g. via accessing media or other content, or by engaging in activities such as attending lectures or museum exhibitions)
Ideas engagementIE4Reasons for how ideas are sought outWhy respondents choose to access ideas via identified content/media/channels, or to engage in certain activities (such as attending lectures or museum exhibitions)
Ideas engagementIE5Able to identify positive and dark ideas effectivelyThe extent to which respondents consider to be true statements which are factual, based on conspiracy theory and/or are populist in nature
EducationED1Level of educationRespondents’ highest level of qualification 
EducationED2Ability to think criticallyWhether respondents are able to engage critically with the ideas they encounter
NetworksNW1Network sizeThe size of respondents’ social network: represented by the number of people they are connected to
NetworksNW2Ideas network centrality (keeping well-informed): how many people respondents discuss ideas withThe number of people within a social network with whom respondents directly engage in ideas-related discussion (specifically, discussion relating to respondents keeping themselves well-informed)
NetworksNW3Ideas network tie strength (keeping well-informed): how often respondents discuss ideas with social connectionsThe frequency with which respondents directly engage in ideas-related discussion with social connections (specifically discussion relating to respondents keeping themselves well-informed)
NetworksNW4Ideas network centrality (staying up-to-date with current affairs): how many people respondents discuss ideas withThe number of people within a social network with whom respondents directly engage in ideas-related discussion (specifically discussion relating to respondents staying up-to-date with current affairs)
NetworksNW5Ideas network tie strength (staying up-to-date with current affairs): how often respondents discuss ideas with social connectionsThe frequency with which respondents directly engage in ideas-related discussion with social connections (specifically discussion relating to respondents staying up-to-date with current affairs)
NetworksNW6Ideas network openness (weak or strong)The openness of respondents to engaging with individuals who can provide opportunities to receive new ideas, perspectives or offer challenge to existing beliefs
NetworksNW7Network densityWhether respondents’ social network is defined by high levels of familiarity, community and trust which can limit the inflow of new ideas into the network
Source(s): Table created by authors

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