Understanding Citizenship, Understanding Social Media? Digital Media’s Effects on Understanding of Citizenship and Political Participation

• In Event: Understanding the Influence of Social Media and Messaging on Engagement and Participation

Abstract

Is there a connection between increased use of digital media and changing patterns of political participation? This study tests how use of online media for different purposes (social interaction, creative expression, online news use, social media news use) is related to three types of political participation. It examines whether mobilizing effects are partly indirect due to different understandings of citizenship (dutiful, optional, individual, collective) that may be fostered by digital media use. The study is based on a survey of a sample of the Danish population (n=1322), including data from two online survey waves and a smartphone-based media diary that documents respondents’ social media use. Results indicate support for a new pathway to participation, but the relationship depends on whether citizens are socialized in a digital media environment.

Authors

• Jakob Ohme, U of Southern Denmark, Centre for Journalism

• Erik Albaek, U of Southern Denmark, Centre for Journalism