Harvard’s Institute of Politics has collected some interesting data on college-age and young adults and their online advocacy.

As reported in ClickZ Marketing News …

“Among 18- to 29-year-old Facebook users, 21 percent said they’ve used Facebook to advocate for a political position, 29 percent have liked an issue, and 24 percent have liked a candidate. Of college students, 29 percent said they’ve used Facebook to advocate for a political position, 37 percent liked an issue, and 31 percent liked a candidate.

Even smaller portions of the groups used email or letters to push a political issue or candidate. Sixteen percent of 18- to 29-year-olds advocated via email or letter, compared to 23 percent of college students. However, more said they’ve signed an online petition. Thirty percent of 18-29 year olds and 40 percent of college students said they have done so.”

In the survey around a third of 4-year college students said using online tools like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube has a greater impact than in-person advocacy. 14% of this group have contributed to a political campaign.

BTW, 80% in the 18-29 age cohort have a Facebook account … 90% of 4-year college students. We’ve come a long way since phone trees!

Tom

P.S. The full study here is Survey of Young Americans’ Attitudes toward Politics and Public Service. Lots of info on political affiliations, involvement and issue concerns.

This article was posted in: advocacy, communications, Don't Miss these Posts, issue fundraising, media usage, online activism, online advocacy, online video, research, social networking.
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