Globalizing information networks, social media, and participation

Abstract

Objectives: This study is one of the first to systematically evaluate the relationship between the Internet and social media use and participation in politics cross-nationally, in democracies and non-democracies. Most existing research on this topic analyzes one country or region. We contend that access to globalizing information networks—which exist within digital media space and where discussions of political norms and values are frequent—promotes higher rates of political participation. Methods: Using multivariate analysis and individual-level data from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey with representative samples from 45 countries, we employ jackknifed samples to investigate the association between self-reported frequent Internet and social media use, our proxy for the exposure to globalizing information networks, and political participation. Results: Results show that more frequent social media use is associated with higher political participation, all else equal. This relationship is significant in democracies and non-democracies, suggesting that information networks increase political participation even in countries with Internet shutdowns, censorship, and limited rights and freedoms. Conclusions: Despite censorship, propaganda, and misinformation, the Internet and social media may help foster political participation across international borders.