College students care more about politics than pop culture, according to recent nationwide study by Tufts University.
While two-thirds of surveyed college students and more than half of non-students could name at least one of their senators, only about 15 percent of those surveyed knew the name of the most recent "American Idol" winner, according to a press release about the study.
According to the release, more than 47 percent of college students reported they were involved with community service organizations, compared to about 24 percent of 18- to 24-year-old non-students.
Tufts Political Science Prof. Kent Portney, who directed the study, said his research was prompted by other studies of civic involvement which primarily focused on students at Tufts.
"Tufts University has been involved for the last five to seven years in trying to promote more civic engagement among students," he said. "What was missing from that was a direct comparison group."
Portney said the higher rate of civic participation among college students is partly because universities often select students who are interested in politics and civil service, but added that the findings can also be attributed to the experiences students have during their college years.
"There's a selection bias there but it's more than that," he said, noting that students are "routinely targeted" by various political and service organizations.
University Politics Prof. Larry Sabato said among his students, "interest in politics is high and participation is overwhelming," adding that participation can range from starting a political debate with friends to working on a political campaign.
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