Engaging in Political Talk on Facebook: Investigating the Role of Interpersonal Goals and Cognitive Engagement

ABSTRACT

The decision to engage in informal political talk within one’s interpersonal network is not easily undertaken, particularly when that communication takes place through social networking sites (SNSs). This study explored motivations for engaging in informal political talk on the SNS, Facebook. Results suggest that those who are motivated by interpersonally focused goals online (i.e., relationship resource, affect management, and identity goals) are less likely to engage in political talk on Facebook, while those who are more politically motivated (i.e., cognitive engagement, influence, and personal resource goals) are more likely to engage in political talk on Facebook. Implications for encouraging informal political talk online are discussed.

Video Abstract

Read the transcript

Watch the video on Vimeo

KEYWORDS:

• Facebook
• interpersonal goals
• informal political talk
• political cognitive engagement
• political interest
• social media

Disclosure Statement

There are no potential conflicts of interest reported by either author.

Data Availability Statement

A variance-covariance matrix and variable level descriptive statistics are available via email from the corresponding author, Dr. Natalie Pennington: [email protected]

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported through a small research grant from the College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University.

Notes on contributors

Natalie Pennington

Natalie Pennington (PhD, University of Kansas) is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Pennington’s research focuses primarily on the role of communication technology within interpersonal relationships. Email: [email protected]

Kelly L. Winfrey

Kelly L. Winfrey (PhD, University of Kansas) is an assistant professor in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication and the coordinator of research and outreach for the Catt Center for Women in Politics. Dr. Winfrey’s research focuses primarily on political communication and women in politics. Email:  [email protected]