Journal article
Social media, misinformation, and age inequality in online political engagement
Journal of information technology & politics, Vol.20(3), pp.269-285
2023
DOI: 10.1080/19331681.2022.2096743
Abstract
This study explores the role of political information seeking on social media and perceived exposure to misinformation in influencing online political engagement. A survey investigation of three Sub-Saharan African countries (Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa) suggests that both information seeking and perceived exposure to misinformation are positively associated with online political engagement. We find that younger citizens are more actively engaged in online political activities. However, we also find that perceived exposure to misinformation has varying effects on political engagement across age groups. More frequent perceived exposure to misinformation is found to be a mobilizer for online political engagement for the older population. We conclude with a discussion of how social media may facilitate greater engagement for the older population. Still, the mobilizing role of misinformation exposure raises concerns about the consequences of such political engagement. Theoretical implications for political engagement research, in general and in the countries under study, are discussed.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Social media, misinformation, and age inequality in online political engagement
- Creators
- Saifuddin AhmedDani Madrid-MoralesMelissa Tully
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of information technology & politics, Vol.20(3), pp.269-285
- DOI
- 10.1080/19331681.2022.2096743
- ISSN
- 1933-1681
- eISSN
- 1933-169X
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 07/08/2022
- Date published
- 2023
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Record Identifier
- 9984283720202771
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