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How unofficial media use shapes perceptions of political transparency: the mediating effect of subjective well-being and the moderating role of official media use among Chinese youth


Citation

Zhao, Xianlu and Waheed, Moniza and Ab Halim, Adlina and Tian, Zhuang and Yuan, Tao (2025) How unofficial media use shapes perceptions of political transparency: the mediating effect of subjective well-being and the moderating role of official media use among Chinese youth. Studies in Media and Communication, 13 (4). pp. 161-172. ISSN 2325-8071; eISSN: 2325-808X

Abstract

This study examines the impact of unofficial media use on perceived government transparency in Chinese youth, focusing on the mediating role of subjective well-being and the moderating influence of official media use. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 405 participants aged 18-35 in Guangzhou, China, the results indicated that frequent use of unofficial media significantly reduced perceptions of political transparency, consistent with the media depression theory. In addition, subjective well-being played a critical mediating role in this relationship, while official media use mitigated the negative impact of unofficial media use. These results provide valuable insights into the role of the media in the political context and inform strategies for enhancing government transparency.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Communication
Subject: Sociology and Political Science
Subject: Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
Divisions: Faculty of Human Ecology
Faculty of Modern Language and Communication
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v13i4.7656
Publisher: Redfame Publishing
Keywords: Chinese youth; Official media use; Political transparency perception; Subjective well-being; Unofficial media use
Depositing User: MS. HADIZAH NORDIN
Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2026 02:49
Last Modified: 14 Apr 2026 02:49
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.11114/smc.v13i4.7656
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/124510
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