Hart argues that it feels good to feel bad about politics. Cynical speech for example, becomes a code that creates a sense of inclusion, knowledge, contemporaneity, superiority and a false sense that one has accomplished something. Some also express the concern that the popular culture in general treats both politics and political activism with disdain. And there are those who believe that the model of political engagement typically found in news and news-like programming is one that tacitly argues that political discussion is unpleasant and ought to be avoided. Parental norms matter but as research on Kids Voting indicates increased political engagement among kids can influence the level of parental engagement as well.
Political talk is desirable.
Among adults, the diversity of the individual's discussion partners has a positive effect on civic engagement. At the same time, the frequency and openness with which local issues are discussed are strongly related to civic engagement. It is important to note that these findings are drawn from studies of adults. Political psychologists tell us that facts are better learned when the process entails reaching an evaluation or a judgment. This suggests that the acquisition of knowledge should be embedded in a project involving opinion formation.