New Media Use Of Young People And Civic Participation In China

Based on a representative survey of university students in Hangzhou during hot political period, this research explores how informational and social new media use and political discussion online foster civic participation offline. Using structural equation model to analyze the questionnaire data from541young people, the result reveals that new media enable more citizens to exercise the right of access to mass media, and thereby enhancing social trust and constructing mutual identity through social networks. Finally, new media use online plays a critical role in encouraging civic participation offline and promoting the growth of civic culture.