Social Media and Politics: What Millennials Know and How They Know It

Poster Number

16

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Mass Communication

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Aimee Meader

Abstract

Social media have taken over in the 2016 primaries. Whether you follow, friend, or retweet, you cannot help but find yourself reading about what’s going on politically on your social media feed. You can follow candidates and see what they have to say about many topics. Millennials now hold more power in the polls than ever before. It’s important to study media habits of these young adults because millennials rely on social media to gather information about the presidential election – especially on Twitter. This study will survey 100 college-aged students to find out the role of social media in shaping the worldview and political competence of young Americans, using the uses and gratifications theory to guide the research. In addition, this study will reveal who intends to vote, for whom, and which social media have the most influence on political knowledge and engagement.

Course Assignment

Theory and Research, MCOM 301, Aimee Meader

Start Date

22-4-2016 12:00 PM

End Date

22-4-2016 2:00 PM

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Apr 22nd, 12:00 PM Apr 22nd, 2:00 PM

Social Media and Politics: What Millennials Know and How They Know It

Rutledge

Social media have taken over in the 2016 primaries. Whether you follow, friend, or retweet, you cannot help but find yourself reading about what’s going on politically on your social media feed. You can follow candidates and see what they have to say about many topics. Millennials now hold more power in the polls than ever before. It’s important to study media habits of these young adults because millennials rely on social media to gather information about the presidential election – especially on Twitter. This study will survey 100 college-aged students to find out the role of social media in shaping the worldview and political competence of young Americans, using the uses and gratifications theory to guide the research. In addition, this study will reveal who intends to vote, for whom, and which social media have the most influence on political knowledge and engagement.