Some 43% of White, 41% of Black, 38% of Latino, and 36% of Asian American youth ages 15-25 have engaged in at least one “participatory politics” activity, such as starting a political group online, blogging about a political issue, or forwarding political videos to friends, during the past 12 months, according to the MacArthur Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics.
More than four in 10 of those ages 15-25 (45%) receive news from family or friends via Twitter or Facebook at least once a week. About half (49%) received current affairs and political news from both a traditional and non-traditional outlet in week prior to being surveyed. Only 19% of those ages 15-25 did not report any exposure to news in the previous week.
Digital media are replacing traditional outlets when it comes to political support. Only 16% of teens and young adults have signed a paper petition, yet 28% have expressed support through a social network.
Teens and young adults are more likely to spread someone else’s ideas than their own thoughts. Two in 10 have circulated funny videos or cartoons relating to a political campaign or candidate, and 17% have forwarded someone else’s political commentary. Only 6% have contributed their own article or video pertaining to a political candidate or issue or participated in a protest or demonstration.
White youth are slightly more likely than Black, Hispanic, or Asian American youth to participate in offline political activities, such as joining a protest or participating in a boycott.
Household income does not affect Black, Asian, or White youth participation in politics. There is a small negative correlation between income and participation in political activities among Hispanic young people. As their income increases, their likelihood of participating in political activities decreases.
Black youth are least likely to be politically disengaged — 25% do not participate in any political activity, compared to 33% of Whites, 40% of Asian Americans, and 43% of Latinos. Teens’ engagement in political activities doesn’t necessarily translate into votes when they come of age. Only 35% of 15-17-year-olds strongly agree that they expect to vote regularly.
Source: MacArthur Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics, YPP Research Network, Joseph Kahne, Mills College School of Education, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613; 510-430-3275; ypp@mills.edu; www.mills.edu; ypp.dmlcentral.net.
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