ABSTRACT

This study is the first to examine the possibility that formal civics training provides a foundation for civic engagement that is conducive to the use of novel methods of engaging the polity. The study found that each step toward greater interactivity in civics instruction predicted greater use of social media in the 2008 elections. Findings also showed that those with civics training were two times more likely to use social media than those without. Extracurricular activities were not found to narrow the gap. Unless extracurricular activities specifically focused on political engagement, such as debate and volunteering for a campaign, they were not found to predict social networking activity in the 2008 election.

Diana Owen- Georgetown University

Suzanne Soule- Center for Civic Education

Jennifer Nairne- Center for Civic Education

Rebecca Chalif- Georgetown University

Kate House- Georgetown University

Michael Davidson- Georgetown University

Owen, Diana, Suzanne Soule, Jennifer Nairne, Rebecca Chalif, Kate House and Michael Davidson.  2011.  “Civic Education and Social Media Use,” Electronic Media & Politics, 1 (1): 1-28.

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2010 Version Paper prepared for presentation at the Annual Political Communication Preconference of the Political Communication Section, American Political Science Association, September 1, 2010, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

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