Traditional Resources, Internet Resources, and Youth Online Political Participation: The Resource Theory Revisited in the Chinese Context

Abstract

This study tests whether resource theory can be used to examine the effects of traditional resources and Internet-specific resources on youth online political participation using a representative sample of Chinese college students studying in Shanghai in 2012. The authors find that traditional resources in the form of civic skills and family income are negatively associated with online participation while a distinct set of Internet-specific resources are significantly and positively associated with different modes of youth online political participation depending on their unique cost structures. Mobile phone Internet access and advanced Internet skills are crucial for youth online expressive political participation, advanced Internet skills, mobile phone and home Internet access, and perceived Internet freedom are required for youth online collective action participation. We contribute to the literature by demonstrating that the Chinese political system moderates the cost structures for various types of political behaviors.