Online and in the Know: Uses and Gratifications of the Web for Political Information
Top Cited Papers
- 1 March 2002
- journal article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media
- Vol. 46 (1) , 54-71
- https://doi.org/10.1207/s15506878jobem4601_4
Abstract
The uses and gratifications approach is well suited for studying the World Wide Web as a whole and for examining specific types of sites within the Web. This study, therefore, examines the uses and gratifications of accessing online sources for political information. A factor analysis revealed 4 primary motivations for connecting to online political information: guidance information-seeking surveillance, entertainment, and social utility. Additionally, significant correlations emerged between the 4 motivations and amount of use, trust in government, feelings of efficacy, interest in politics, and the likelihood of voting.Keywords
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