Who are the Interactors on Social Media in the Process of Spreading Policy Issues?: Analysis of News Producers and Users' Behavioral Involvement

This study analyzed YouTube video networks to track changes in news production and user engagement regarding the proposal to increase the number of medical schools in Korea. In contrast to previous research, it introduced new methods for measuring the interaction of social media news producers and user reactions and focused on video volume, usage share, centrality, and weighted user response. The findings demonstrated that the network structure evolved significantly over time with increased nodes and connections in later periods, which reflects heightened public awareness and involvement. Traditional media, particularly broadcast channels, became increasingly dominant, while the interaction of personal and local channels decreased. Although personal channels initially engaged users with unique perspectives, their impact declined with the increase in the complexity of the issue. The study underscored the ongoing dominance of traditional media and the evolving role of digital platforms and government in the formation of public discourse.