Bridging the Gap… Youth the Internet & Politics By:Kendahl Horvath

Facts from Article Nearly a quarter of Americans- 24% are following the campaign via the Web, versus 9% in 2000. For adults under 30, Web is leading source of political news. 3 mainstream Websites- MSNBC, CNN and Yahoo News. Also Myspace, Facebook & YouTube

Nearly a quarter of Americans- 24% are following the campaign via the Web, versus 9% in 2000.

For adults under 30, Web is leading source of political news.

3 mainstream Websites- MSNBC, CNN and Yahoo News.

Also Myspace, Facebook & YouTube

The Facebook Factor… Provides word of mouth marketing. Has a polling application- “Election Pulse.” Tracks candidate declarations, by “friending.” Obama has 220,000 “friends.” Clinton 62,000 Paul 68,000

Provides word of mouth marketing.

Has a polling application- “Election Pulse.” Tracks candidate declarations, by “friending.”

Obama has 220,000 “friends.”

Clinton 62,000

Paul 68,000

Myspace Mania… On Jan 1st & 2nd of 2008 Myspace had virtual polling booths. Republicans Democrats Huckabee 16% Edwards 8% Giuliani 18% Clinton 31% Paul 36% Obama 48% Results:

On Jan 1st & 2nd of 2008 Myspace had virtual polling booths.

Youth Truth… People ages 18-29 represented 21% of Electorate in 06 (41.9 mil). Estimated 50 mil in 08. By 2015 youth will represent about 1/3 of Electorate. 58% vote Democrat. One of the most diverse voting populations. 39% identify as non-white. Youth Latinos are among largest percentage of youth voters. Only 25% attended a 4 year college.

People ages 18-29 represented 21% of Electorate in 06 (41.9 mil).

Estimated 50 mil in 08.

By 2015 youth will represent about 1/3 of Electorate.

58% vote Democrat.

One of the most diverse voting populations.

39% identify as non-white.

Youth Latinos are among largest percentage of youth voters.

Only 25% attended a 4 year college.

Questions? How has the Internet played a contribution thus far with your participation in 2008 election? Do you think that the “historical” context of this election has contributed to increased youth participation? Comments…

How has the Internet played a contribution thus far with your participation in 2008 election?

Do you think that the “historical” context of this election has contributed to increased youth participation?

Comments…

Sources… Kovner, G. (2008, January 18). Young Voters Look to Net Scanning the Web for Election News, from Myspace to YouTube. The Press Democrat . Retrieved February 14, 2008, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=146969911&Fmt=3&clientId=2302&RQT=309&VName=PQD www.yda.org/tools/19/youth-statistics www.latimes.com/technology/la-ca-webscout13jan13,1,5621278.story

Kovner, G. (2008, January 18). Young Voters Look to Net Scanning the Web for Election News, from Myspace to YouTube. The Press Democrat . Retrieved February 14, 2008, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=146969911&Fmt=3&clientId=2302&RQT=309&VName=PQD

www.yda.org/tools/19/youth-statistics

www.latimes.com/technology/la-ca-webscout13jan13,1,5621278.story