SNS & Chinese Political Participation

College Students’ Use of Social Networking Sites and their Political Participation in China

SUN Huan

School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University

Abstract

This study examines if usage of social networking sites (SNS) by Chinese college students has a positive effect on their political participation. Using data from a survey of 527 Tsinghua University students, this study finds positive relationship between intensity of SNS use and their political participation. Political attitude is proved as mediation linking SNS use and political participation.