Relationship of Satirical News Viewing and Online News-Sharing Behavior to Political Efficacy Among College Students

• In Event: The Effects of Entertainment Media and Satire

Abstract

This study examines how young adults’ satirical news viewing and online news-sharing behaviors are associated with each other and whether these are conducive to college students’ political efficacy and political participation. A total of 712 college students participated in an online survey in November, 2012. Survey results indicated watching satirical news programs significantly predicted online news-sharing behaviors and only online news-sharing behaviors but not satirical news show viewing predicted participants’ political efficacy and information efficacy. Although watching satirical news programs does not predict political efficacy and information efficacy, satirical news show viewing might have indirect positive effect on political efficacy as it is significantly related to online news-sharing behaviors.

Authors

• Minseon Jeong, Washington State University

• Erica Weintraub Austin, Washington State U

• Porismita Borah, Washington State U

• Bruce Pinkleton, Washington State U