Examining Communication Mediation Model on Youth Online Political Engagement

Abstract

Using a communication mediation model, the present study tested the influencing factor of social media utilization on the political engagement on social media. Through O-S-O-R model proposed by McLeod, Kosicki, and McLeod, this study tested the correlation between pre-exposure (motivation) – Stimulus (media social use) – post-exposure orientation (political efficacy) – Response (political engagement) in the context of Chinese youth of Singkawang. By analyzing the Pearson correlation and linear regression of 125 respondents collected through a questionnaire, this model resulted in several findings, for example, motivation had a relationship with the use of social media for political information purposes where social utility motives had a more significant effect than other motives. The use of political information media had an influence on an individual's internal and collective efficacy rather than external efficacy. Political efficacy generated by the use of social media had an influence on the political engagement of Singkawang Chinese youth even though external efficacy was deemed a negative predictor of political engagement.

Pilkada During a Pandemic: The Influence of News Media on Trust and Political Participation Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Exposure to news media (especially television media, newspapers and news websites) further enhances greater political trust. On the other hand, another study found that the use of social media did not have a positive and significant effect on political trust (Azis et al, 2020).In fact, over the last three decades, consumption of news media about the crisis led to greater public distrust of government, which in turn triggers the feeling that the political system that is run is unresponsive.Negative news about unpopular government policies and uncivilized behavior of political elites can reduce and erode trust in government (Moy, 2008).…”