Social network service use on mobile devices: An examination of gratifications, civic attitudes and civic engagement in China

As mobile social network services have been integrated in many people’s daily lives, this study investigated the relationships between gratifications-sought, social network service use on mobile devices, civic attitudes and civic engagement in Mainland China. Data were gathered in a survey of 760 university students. Results showed that gratifications for technological convenience (accessibility), information exchange (cognition needs), and social interaction (recognition needs) significantly predicted civic engagement. The results also demonstrated that civic attitudes and social network service use on mobile devices are positively related to civic engagement. These findings well demonstrated the important role of mobile-based communication in connecting citizens to civil society.