Jack Haleem L&S Social Sciences
How Entertainment-Based Virtual Communities Shape Political Engagement
My research explores political engagement behaviors in the H3 community—a left-leaning, entertainment-driven online space centered around the popular H3 Podcast, which has over 3 million YouTube subscribers. While not a traditional political platform, the show frequently comments on social and political issues through humor and satire. I’m examining how participation in this community influences political identity and engagement, particularly compared to those who spend more time in explicitly political spaces focused on reliable information. By comparing highly active H3 users with less engaged members and with users of fact-based political communities, I aim to understand how entertainment-driven discourse may shape political beliefs and behaviors differently.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you so much for supporting my summer research project. I’m exploring how entertainment-based political content in left-leaning online communities influences political identity and engagement. This opportunity means a great deal to me as a first-generation transfer student passionate about understanding online behavior and misinformation. Your generosity is helping me turn my curiosity into meaningful research.