An Examination of Uncivil and Reasoned Comments and Perceived Civility in Politics

Authors

  • Masahiro Yamamoto Department of Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York
  • Francis Dalisay Communication and Fine Arts Department, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Guam
  • Matthew J. Kushin Department of Communication, Shepherd University

Keywords:

political deliberation, incivility, online political comments, political participation

Abstract

This study investigates how exposure to uncivil and reasoned online political comments is related to off-line and online political participation. Data from two online surveys reveal that exposure to uncivil online political comments is negatively related to perceived civility in society, which in turn is positively related to off-line and online political participation. Data also indicate that exposure to reasoned online political comments is positively associated with off-line and online political participation both directly and indirectly through perceived civility. Implications are discussed for political deliberation and uncivil political discourse.

Author Biographies

Masahiro Yamamoto, Department of Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York

Masahiro Yamamoto (Ph.D., Washington State University, 2012) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University at Albany, State University of New York. His research interests include communication in community contexts, civic and political participation, and social media.

Francis Dalisay, Communication and Fine Arts Department, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Guam

Francis Dalisay (Ph.D., Washington State University, 2010) is an assistant professor in the Communication and Fine Arts Department of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Guam. His research looks into the role of communication and culture in fostering civil societies.

Matthew J. Kushin, Department of Communication, Shepherd University

Matthew James Kushin (Ph.D., Washington State University, 2010) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at Shepherd University. His research interests include the political and civic utility of online and social media.

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Published

2020-01-01

Issue

Vol. 14 (2020)

Section

Articles

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