Insta, Snap, Tweet: Civic Engagement and High School Students' Social Media Behaviors

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Media Integration in Social Studies Education

Abstract

Effective representative democracy requires citizens to be informed and to engage in political discourse. Social media presents new opportunities for students to acquire, share, and comment on civic issues. One hundred ninety-five high school students answered a mix of short answer and open-ended questions. While the vast majority used social media multiple times daily, only 17% of students share political content, and 9% post original political content on social media, due primarily to fear of negative responses. A number of students revealed they have additional secret (spam or finsta) accounts, through which they are more comfortable posting and sharing political content. Spam accounts may offer a safer medium for students to engage in political discourse.

Authors

• Derek L. Anderson, Northern Michigan University

• Blythe Raikko, Marquette Area Public Schools

• Isabelle Karl, Northern Michigan University