Inspiring engagement: An analysis of youth preferences and uses of civic websites

This thesis uses an online questionnaire in conjunction with focus groups to explore young people's preferences and uses of websites designed to encourage civic engagement. Popular and academic literature has suggested that young people are growing increasingly apathetic and disinterested in politics. Emerging research has suggested that young people do not find traditional political institutions meet their needs. Some scholars have argued that new media technologies, particularly the Internet, have a role to play in giving young people the civic competencies they need to fulfill their roles as citizens. The author suggests that by gaining an understanding of how youth perceive their role as citizens and exploring their preferences for civic websites, it may be possible to determine if civic websites are giving young people the skills and encouragement they need to engage in civil society.