Can e-participation stimulate offline citizen participation: an empirical test with practical implications

E-participation is often flagged for its potential to stimulate greater citizen participation. Yet, whether e-participation contributes to more widespread offline citizen participation or reinforces existing patterns of offline citizen participation remains unclear. Drawing upon a representative sample of US citizens, the results of our analysis demonstrate that greater e-participation, operationalized using different forms of online expression and interaction, is associated with greater offline citizen participation. We also find that this relationship is strongest among those who are less affluent. These results suggest e-participation may play an important role in mobilizing a broader spectrum of citizens to engage in public affairs.