Digital Media Literacy Education and Online Civic and Political Participation

TLDR

Almost no quantitative studies have examined the prevalence of media literacy education or its potential effects. The study investigates whether media literacy education can promote and improve youth engagement in civic and political life. It utilizes a unique panel dataset of a diverse group of high‑school and college students. After controlling for prior online political activity, political interest, and demographic factors, media literacy education is linked to increased online political engagement and greater exposure to diverse perspectives, though it shows no strong relationship with demographics.

Abstract

Can media literacy education promote and improve youth engagement in civic and political life? Unfortunately, to date, there have been almost no quantitative assessments of the frequency of media literacy education, nor of any possible subsequent impacts. This study draws on a unique panel data set of a diverse group of youths in high school and college settings. It finds that exposure to media literacy education is not strongly related to demographic variables. In addition, with controls for prior levels of online political activities, for political interest, and for a broad range of demographic variables, this study also finds that digital media literacy education is associated with increased online political engagement and increased exposure to diverse perspectives.