Abstract:
In light of current research and social media trends, the purpose of this study was to describe relationships between chronological age, online social media behaviors, and differences in orientation toward engaging in social activism. Findings from this study indicated that chronological age successfully predicted participants' future propensity to engage in overall and high-risk activism behaviors. Older participants were more likely to engage in overall activism behaviors (including both conventional and high-risk activism behaviors). Younger participants were more likely to engage in high risk activism behaviors. Additionally, participants' self-reported level of social media activism significantly predicted their future propensity to engage in activism behaviors. More specifically, participants that self-reported higher levels of social media activism were less likely to engage in conventional, high-risk, and overall activism behaviors. For non- profits, social advocacy groups, and political groups who rely heavily on support from the public to further their cause and to provide financial and practical support, overreliance on social media tools may result in a reduction in off line support and engagement.