THE FACE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING: THE POLITICAL POTENTIAL OF FACEBOOK AND ITS IMPACT ON TRADITIONAL METHODS OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

This thesis explores the role of social networking, specifically Facebook, in the civic participation practices of young adults in the United States. Beginning with an examination of Facebook and its primary applications, the author explores how young adults might use the website to actively engage in civic and political life. Within the literature review and theoretical framework, the project’s three core concepts are introduced including: political socialization, civic engagement and active participation. Coupled with a brief introduction of social capital development and the history or patterns of young adults ’ mobilization in the United States, this sets the stage for the content and survey analysis. A survey was conducted of young adults ’ Facebook use and interest/engagement (both on- and offline) in political and civic affairs. Through an OLS regression model, the thesis demonstrated that those who are high Facebook users, are likely to participate if asked, interested in political/civic life, and active in their civic engagement practices offline are also likely to participate in simila