To What Extent is Social Media A Tool for Political Mobilization?
Date of Award
5-2-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Patrick Donnay
Abstract
This study looks at the potential impacts of social media advocacy on mobilizing the pubic. Drawing from the Pew Research Center’s 2018 American Trends Panel, I look at Americans’ views of technology, political involvement, and their perceptions of social media and online engagement. I found that younger respondents view social media as more important to their political engagements. I find a significant relationship between census region and perceived importance of social media on issue involvement, as well. Respondents from the southern United States who consider themselves to be "very liberal" report a greater influence of social media on their involvement in political and social issues. There is also a strong correlation between gender, ideology, and social media. “Very liberal" individuals of both sexes report lower perceived impact of social media, challenging my initial hypothesis. Education level is also a factor, with less educated individuals reporting a higher level of significance of social media. The data analysis supports the conclusion that social media is important in mobilizing the public, providing a voice to underrepresented communities, and aiding in political engagement for the American public.
Recommended Citation
Westrum, Bridget, "To What Extent is Social Media A Tool for Political Mobilization?" (2025). Political Science Theses and Capstones. 132.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/capstone-polisci/132
