Citizen Journalism, Political Discussion, and Civic Participation: Testing a Moderating Role of Media Credibility and Collective Efficacy

Authors

  • Seungahn Nah Professor, School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon
  • Masahiro Yamamoto Associate Professor Department of Communication State University of New York - Albany

Keywords:

citizen journalism, civic participation, political discussion, media credibility, collective efficacy

Abstract

This study proposes a moderated mediation model whereby the relationship between citizen journalism and civic participation through political discussion differs depending on the levels of media credibility and collective efficacy. Results from a national online panel survey indicate that political discussion mediates the relationship between citizen journalism and civic participation, with the magnitude of the relationship stronger for those who evaluate news media sites as more credible. Moreover, findings reveal that the positive relationship between political discussion and civic participation is stronger for those who have higher levels of collective efficacy. With these findings, the present study further discusses theoretical, practical, and policy implications.

Author Biographies

Seungahn Nah, Professor, School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon

Professor of Journalism and Media Studies & Sociology (Affiliated) School of Journalism and Communication University of Oregon Phone: 541-346-2101 Research Interests and specialties: content analysis, citizen journalism, Digital media; public sphere; new media technology, digital journalism and citizenship; communication theory, textual analysis, survey, experiment, case studies, internet and democracy, internet and social movements, digital media and political and civic participation, technology and community, indepth interviews, participant observation

Masahiro Yamamoto, Associate Professor Department of Communication State University of New York - Albany

Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Department of Communication State University of New York - Albany Phone: 518-442-4871 Research interests and specialties:  Political Communication, Communication and Technology

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Published

2020-09-29

Issue

Vol. 14 (2020)

Section

Articles

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