This thesis examines how far the use of online political information like political news websites, social networking sites, and online political humor websites relate to young adults‘ intention to vote, political knowledge, political efficacy, and having political discussions with parents and friends. To better understand these relationships the O-S-O-R model (e.g., Cho, Shah, Mcleod, McLeod, Scholl, Gotlieb, 2009; McLeod, Kosicki, and McLeod, 1994) will be used as the theoretical framework.
The survey data for this study was collected during the exciting and noteworthy 2008 Presidential Primary elections. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 years of age were asked questions related to their attention to political news information and the 2008 Primary Election. Measures include traditional media use, online political information, political discussions with parents and friends, political efficacy, political participation, political knowledge and political interest.
Results show that, social networking sites (SNS) did not prove to be an important means for political information for young adults, during the 2008 Ohio Presidential Primary Election, despite the overwhelming attention they received. Second, television news remains a significant predictor of political efficacy, likelihood to vote and having political discussions with parents and friends. Third, political interest continues to be a driving force in young adults’ political engagement and interpersonal political communication. Additionally, participants between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age show frequent use of SNS (social networking sites) for political and campaign information more than those participants 25 to 29 years of age. Also, those 25 to 29 years of age are more likely to use news like websites for information more than “younger” young adults. Finally, results from this study support the O-S-O-R model in understanding young adults’ intention to vote, political discussions with parents and friends, political efficacy, and political knowledge.