Final answer:
The general public may find it challenging to use journal articles as a primary information source due to specialized content, accessibility barriers, and the need for academic database navigation skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
It may be difficult for the general public to use journal articles as their primary source of information because such articles often contain more specialized information and vocabulary tailored to academic researchers. Scholarly journal articles are typically peer reviewed, ensuring that the information is reliable, but this also means that the content is usually not written in a way that is easily accessible to those without expertise in the field. Furthermore, journal articles are commonly found in academic databases, which can be more challenging to navigate without prior research experience or access provided by educational institutions.
Additionally, the general public may face barriers such as paywalls or the need for specific academic search tools to find scholarly materials. This can make it challenging for individuals to find the information they need, and even when they do, they might not have the critical skills or background knowledge necessary to effectively evaluate and understand it. Therefore, while journal articles are excellent resources for in-depth study, there is a greater ease of use and broader appeal when the public seeks information from general audience sources, such as newspapers and magazines, which tend to have a more general approach and wider accessibility.