Facebook Changing the Face of Voting: How the Internet and Social Networking Sites Affected Youth Voting Behaviors in the 2008 Election

Author

Aleesha M. Larsen

Date of Award

4-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Patrick Donnay

Abstract

Since the eligible voting age was changed in 1972 to include 18-21 year-olds, turnout has been historically low for the youngest group of American voters. But, the 2008 election got young people to swarm the polls, resulting in one of the highest turnout rates, among the youngest age cohort, in history. The Obama campaign was the first to successfully use social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter, to help mobilize and persuade young voters. In this study, I attempted to find how significant of a role in the Internet played in convincing voters aged 18-24 to vote in 2008, especially for Obama. I use the PEW Internet and American Life Project November 2008 Post-Election Tracking Survey to examine Internet use for campaigning and political purposes among over 2,000 respondents. Preliminary analysis shows that the Internet is not only the number one source of political information for young voters, but it’s encouraging them to be more politically active and knowledgeable. However, including other socioeconomic factors, the role of the Internet and social networking sites loses significance. The majority of these young, “wired,” voters chose the Democratic ticket in 2008, which raises question about what they will decide 2012.

Recommended Citation

Larsen, Aleesha M., "Facebook Changing the Face of Voting: How the Internet and Social Networking Sites Affected Youth Voting Behaviors in the 2008 Election" (2012). Political Science Theses and Capstones. 120.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/capstone-polisci/120