Award Winners for Volume 14
The Psychology of Political Communication in Social Media: Using Social Media to be Global and Autonomous
This is an interdisciplinary study of political science, psychology, and communication that examines the intersection of how social media are used to communicate political views and content. Social media provide an opportunity for users to become increasingly civic minded and engaged. This article examines self-determination theory in how political messages are shared on social media. Social media users were surveyed to determine their political affiliation and social media involvement. Participants also completed a basic psychological needs scale. Results showed that participants with higher levels of autonomy more frequently shared political content. While social media create a global community, most social media users share content relating to local, state, or national issues as opposed to global issues. Political affiliation differences as well as gender, social media use, and self-determination aspects are discussed.
Nancy Cade is the Davenport Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science at the University of Pikeville. She directs the Washington Center programs at the University of Pikeville and has served as a faculty member for the Washington Center seminars for 20 years.
LeAnne Epling is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pikeville. She coordinates the psychology program and chairs the university's Institutional Review Board.
Rachel Little is an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Pikeville. Rachel also serves as the Director of Forensics through coaching the university speech and debate team.
Chandra Massner is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Pikeville where she has taught for 25 years. She directs the university’s Honors Program, advises the student newsletter, and chairs the institution’s curriculum committee.