News Media Use and Political Engagement Among Adolescents: An Analysis of Virtuous Circles Using Panel Data. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kruikemeier, Sanne; Shehata, Adam
• Is Part Of: Political communication. Volume 34:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: media effects -- news media use -- political engagement -- reinforcing spirals -- selection effects -- virtuous circle; Communication -- Political aspects -- Periodicals; Communication in politics -- Periodicals; 306.205
• DOI: 10.1080/10584609.2016.1174760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-4609

Abstract

Abstract : This study analyzes reinforcing spirals between news media use and two manifestations of political engagement: political interest and participation intention. Drawing on a three-wave panel study among adolescents, we test the Virtuous Circle Thesis (VCT) in both an online and an offline setting, by distinguishing between selection effects and media effects as key ingredients of the VCT. Overall, the findings lend mixed support to the general argument. While the relationship between specific forms of news media use and political interest appears to be driven primarily by selection effects, reciprocal relations were found mainly between television news and participation intention. The VCT assumption of reciprocal influences was supported most clearly when adolescents' total news media use was considered. Taken together, virtuous circles appeared to operate rather similarly online and offline.