jonadon P's Profile

out in American elections seemed to end after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks [1]. In particular, youth voting rates increased. Approximately 36 percent of 18–24 year olds cast ballots in 2000, but more than 42 percent voted in 2004 [2]. While it is uncertain if youths’ online involvements contributed to this increase, it is evident that young Americans’ presence on the Web has the potential to enhance their engagement in public life. In this article, we examine how American youths’ contributions to three online worlds — participatory culture, political consumerism, and civic engagement — function as possible gateways to increased political participation. We suggest that Americans youths have never before had so many low–threshold opportunities for political participation, although we are uncertain whether, over time, substantial numbers will take advantage of those opportunities.