Media Use and Political Engagement: Cross-Cultural Approaches| The Role of Media Use in Political Mobilization: A Comparison of Free and Restrictive Countries

Authors

  • Regina Arant Jacobs University Bremen
  • Katja Hanke University of Applied Management Studies
  • Alexandra Mittelstädt University of Bremen
  • Rosemary Pennington Miami University
  • Audris Umel University of Bremen and Jacobs University Bremen
  • Özen Odağ Touro College Berlin

Keywords:

media use, online political participation, offline political participation, digital media, social media, collective action, group efficacy, free countries, restrictive countrie

Abstract

Studies examining the link between media use and political mobilization focus on contexts with high levels of democracy and freedom. This mixed-methods study investigates whether intentions for collective action are predicted by media use and past political participation offline and online in countries categorized as free versus restrictive. Quantitative analyses show that intensive users of offline media were more inclined toward future political participation if they were citizens of a free country and if they reported high levels of group efficacy. Although online media use also predicted future political participation, this likelihood was higher among citizens of restrictive countries who reported lower levels of group efficacy. Qualitative analyses provide a deeper understanding of the contextual differences between free and restrictive countries.

Author Biographies

Regina Arant, Jacobs University Bremen

Senior Researcher

Katja Hanke, University of Applied Management Studies

Associate Professor

Alexandra Mittelstädt, University of Bremen

Postdoctoral researcher

Rosemary Pennington, Miami University

Assistant Professor of Journalism

Audris Umel, University of Bremen and Jacobs University Bremen

Doctoral Student

Özen Odağ, Touro College Berlin

Associate Professor

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Published

2023-02-13

Issue

Section

Special Sections