The relationship between SNS usage dimensions and civic engagement: A case of university students in Southern China

Abstract

This article aims to 1) identify the different numbers of SNS usage dimensions and 2) examine the linkage between SNS usage dimensions and civic engagement in China. An online survey (n=123) was conducted in two comprehensive universities in southern China. Factor analysis identified three dimensions of SNS usage: interactivities, information exchanging and traditional usage whereas three types of application users include social interaction users, sharing partners and quasi online game players. Both civic action and civic perception were examined as indictor of civic engagement. Multiple linear regression analysis shown that traditional usage of SNS was positively linked with the civic action of community service but negatively linked with political voice illustration. As SNS application usage, quasi online gaming was positively associated with political voice illustration. However, the study failed to reveal any significant relationship between SNS usage and all kinds of civic perception. Discussions within Chinese political and educational background were made, together with limitations and possible directions for further similar researches.