ABSTRACT
Given the potential of social network sites in democratization, this study explored the relationship between WeChat use, gratification seeking, and political engagement through WeChat in China. A survey of 307, young adult, WeChat users found: (1) WeChat use for entertainment and recognition needs predicted political engagement through WeChat; (2) WeChat use and browsing news and information about a particular political issue on WeChat were positively associated with political engagement through WeChat; and (3) the relationship between WeChat use and political engagement through WeChat was moderated by browsing news and information on WeChat.