The Integrated Media Effect

Rethinking the Effect of Media Use on Civic Participation in the Networked Digital Media Environment

Nah, Seungahn
Yamamoto, Masahiro

¹University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
²University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA

Seungahn Nah, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, 214B Allen Hall, Eugene, OR 97403, USA. Email: [email protected]

American Behavioral Scientist 62(8):p 1061-1078, July 2018. | DOI: 10.1177/0002764218764240

Based on an integrated approach to media use, this study examines the association between integrated news use and civic participation in the networked digital media environment. Data from a web survey of a national online panel demonstrate that integrated news use, or the degree to which various media platforms are integrated for news consumption, is positively associated with civic participation. Data also show that integrated political discussion and integrated political information seeking mediate the relationship between integrated news use and civic participation. This study discusses theoretical and methodological implications.