Supporting a new generation of informed voters: an interdisciplinary literature review pairing informed voting and current events information behaviours
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65261Keywords:
informed voting, current events information behavior, generation z, civic literacyAbstract
Introduction. This interdisciplinary literature review pairs research on Generation Z current events information behaviour with informed voting behaviour research to identify areas of overlap, gaps, and appropriate theories to frame further study.
Method. Relevant journals and scholarly databases for information behaviour, information studies, political science, history, and sociology were searched for recent work on the identified topics. Studies were cross-checked for demographic relevance and applicability to the identified topics.
Analysis. Key characteristics for Generation Z current events information behaviour and voting behaviour were identified across articles. These behaviour characteristics were then compared between the two areas of focus to identify where one might be applied to support the other.
Results. The review of literature identifies strong potential for current events information behaviour research to support informed voting behaviour for emergent voters. Commonly occurring information behaviour theories are identified to frame future work.
Conclusions. Literature on current events information behaviour is gaining strength, and research related to the impact of informed voting is robust. Where those two areas meet, however, remains a largely untapped vein to explore. Based on current literature, further study in this direction would help information science practitioners better support young adult information needs related to civic engagement.
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