Abstract
This study examines the conditional effects of new media use on elite-challenging political engagement such as demonstrations and protests. Applying the Gamson Hypothesis, which states that a combination of high internal political efficacy and low political trust is the optimum condition for political mobilization, and extending the differential political implications of new media, this study illustrates how internet use and two types of social media use, i.e., capital-enhancing use and recreational use, and the trust-efficacy typologies jointly affect political participation, with empirical reference to three Asian polities, i.e., mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Results from two comparative surveys echoed previous literature that capital-enhancing social media use always facilitated political engagement whereas recreational use might reduce engagement. Supporting the Gamson Hypothesis, Dissidents, who had high internal efficacy but low political trust, were more politically active; and for these Dissidents, the capital-enhancing social media use casted a stronger political impact.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - May 2017 |
Event | 67th Annual International Communication Association Conference, ICA 2017: Interventions. Communication Research and Practice - San Diego, CA, United States Duration: 25 May 2017 → 29 May 2017 https://convention2.allacademic.com/one/ica/ica17/ |
Conference
Conference | 67th Annual International Communication Association Conference, ICA 2017 |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | San Diego, CA |
Period | 25/05/17 → 29/05/17 |
Internet address |