I tweet, then I vote. The effect of media consumption and the use of social networks on electoral participation in Chile, 2009-2013

Abstract

The growth of social networks has fueled the perception that its use positively influences political participation. Using national polls, we assess the effect of traditional media consumption and the use of social networks on electoral participation in Chile between 2009 and 2013. Although the strongest determinants of electoral participation are institutional, socioeconomic and sociodemographic, media consumption also has a positive impact on turnout. When analyzed separately, both traditional media consumption and social networks use have positive effects on the predisposition to vote. But when we concurrently assess the effect of media consumption and use of social networks, the latter does not have a significant effect on electoral participation or the willingness to vote among Chileans.