Civic Participation and Social Media: Are They Bowling Together?

Abstract:     
This study examines whether there is a positive relationship between intensity of social media usage and college students’ civic and political participation. We theorize the use of informal communication channels available through social media will serve as a catalyst for extensive conversations, which reinvigorates civic life, and we expect that by participating in political discussions, users will augment their political engagement. Based on this idea, we proposed a mediation model through which civic engagement mediates the relationship between social media use and political participation. Analyses of data from an original survey of college students (N = 347) showed that use of social media was positively associated with civic and political participation, while civic participation was found as a significant mediator between social media use and political participation. Practical and theoretical implications of the research are discussed.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 35

Keywords: Social Media, Civic Engagement, Political Participation, Mediated Communication

working papers series