28th Annual Student Research Conference
Media Consumption and Apathy
Kelley R. Bauer
Dr. Amber Johnson, Faculty Mentor
Media continues to grow in influence throughout our culture. However, its effects are relatively mixed. One concern of media usage is that constant bombardment of information and stimuli may cause consumers to tune out and become apathetic. This study seeks to understand the correlation between media and apathy among millennial college students. Using a questionnaire, the study examines the participants' levels of interest regarding political, environmental, and civic issues. These variables are then measured against individuals media consumption. The results suggest media form and content play significance in how individuals interact or fail to interact with their world. Consuming print forms of media or content such as news are correlated to general interest in politics and increased likelihood of joining political parties. However, consuming media through television or for social networking purposes was correlated to less interest in environmental concerns and less likelihood of joining political parties.
Keywords: media, civic, political, environmental
Topic(s):Sociology
Communication
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 11-6
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30