Citizen Journalism, Political Discussion, and Civic Participation: Testing a Moderating Role of Media Credibility and Collective Efficacy

Abstract

This study proposes a moderated mediation model whereby the relationship between citizen journalism and civic participation through political discussion differs depending on the levels of media credibility and collective efficacy. Results from a national online panel survey indicate that political discussion mediates the relationship between citizen journalism and civic participation, with the magnitude of the relationship stronger for those who evaluate news media sites as more credible. Moreover, findings reveal that the positive relationship between political discussion and civic participation is stronger for those who have higher levels of collective efficacy. With these findings, the present study further discusses theoretical, practical, and policy implications.