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
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.
