Analysing political engagement in a multimedia, multi-elections environment: predictive factors in an unpredictable political reality

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research delves into the intricate interplay between political trust, political efficacy, and engagement in the political process. Analysing survey data collected from 530 participants during the 2022 elections in Israel, at a time of heightened political instability, the study aims to uncover the nuanced relationships underlying citizens’ engagement behaviours. Grounded in political efficacy and political trust theories, the investigation explores the roles of trust in politicians and in the political system as predictors of offline and online political engagement. The mediating influence of political efficacy on these relationships is analysed. The findings reveal distinct patterns of influence for trust in politicians and trust in the political system in different modes of political engagement. Political efficacy emerges as a robust predictor, mediating online and offline engagement. This mediating role elucidates the intricate dynamics between trust variables and engagement pathways, offering insights into the complexities of civic participation in times of political turbulence. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how trust and efficacy shape citizens’ interactions with the political realm. They underscore the need for continued investigation into the multifaceted dynamics of political engagement.