Abstract
Over the last decade, extensive literature has been published regarding social media effects on real-life political participation. Many argue that social media stimulates online and offline political participation. This study investigates how online political activities impact political efficacy and real-life political participation among university students in rural Pakistan. In addition, this study also sheds light on the relationship between political activities and political awareness. We conducted an online survey of ( N = 200) male and female undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Narowal, Pakistan. We used Qualtrics software to distribute our survey among students for data-collection purposes. The results reveal that the majority of the students use social media for political awareness and information. Political efficacy is significantly based on online political participation. In addition to that, social media is a vital platform for netizens to participate in real-life political activities. In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that online political activities strongly correlate to political awareness and offline political participation. In rural areas of Pakistan, the younger generations are very active on social media to participate in online and offline political happenings.
Highlights
More than a decade ago, information and communication technologies dramatically changed the world
In pursuance to analyze the Hypothesis 1 (H1) of this study, that is, online political activities have a significant relationship with political efficacy, Table 1 depicts political efficacy (PE) with an R value .286, R2 value .082, adjusted R2 .077, and SE of the estimate
To test the Hypothesis 2 (H2) of this study, that is, online political activities have a significant relationship with real-life participation, the regression analysis square test was applied to data
Summary
More than a decade ago, information and communication technologies dramatically changed the world. New media and technology have changed the interpersonal interaction, communication patterns, and social and political discussions. The Internet is playing a significant role in providing information to the public on political events, engaging its users and encouraging them to get involved in offline political activities. Online activities related to politics are useful and encourage youth to participate in political events (Quintelier & Vissers, 2008). Political knowledge, and political participation are associated with one another. This trend is playing a key role in elections, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Social media is one of the biggest sources of information for billions of its users; it has huge potential for disinformation to manipulate public opinion. The Internet encourages its users toward politics and strengthens offline
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