Civic Learning and Self-Determination: A Model of User-Generated Content and Civic Readiness Among Actualizing Citizens

Abstract

Participation in user-generated content (UGC) consistently relates to participation in various forms of online and offline politics, suggesting that it is likely to complement or even serve as a gateway to instrumental engagement. Yet, there has been little attempt to offer a comprehensive account of the mechanisms that explain these relationships. We address this gap in the literature by theorizing how participation in UGC contributes to civic readiness. Specifically, we advance a conceptual model relating the attributes of UGC involvement to civic readiness through two concurrent processes: a civic learning process that relates the attributes to civic ability and a self-determination process that relates them to civic motivation. In doing so, we suggest that in addition to the development of civic skills, participation in UGC also contributes to civic readiness by promoting the perception that such participation is self-determined. The result is the development of competent and engaged citizens.