Mapping Interaction Patterns of Pakistani Twitter Users for Political Communication

Abstract

Twitter is a microblogging website that said to have potential to increase political participation. Through this interactive platform users not only gather and share information but also reinforce political opinions. Participation of public has been accepted as a key to pursue political communication. This study aims to explore the significance of Twitter that has emerged as a channel for political interactions in Pakistan. This interactive podium contributes information about trending political issues. Twitter based interactions are successful in generating political debate among other Twitter users. The particular concern of this research was to examine interaction patterns of Twitter users for political communication. Uses and Gratification approach was applied to find out how Twitter users gratify their cognitive, personal integrative, and social integrative needs for political communication. Using simple random sampling technique sample size of 400 respondents was collected from frequent Twitter users in Pakistan. All proposed research questions in the study were supported by the data set. Findings reveled that Twitter users primarily gratify their cognitive needs through Twitter based political communication. Furthermore, implications of findings are concluded in this research.