This study uses survey data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project to advance digital divide research by exploring how smartphone dependence—in which one’s only means of accessing the Internet is via a smartphone—and smartphone use differ between key demographic groups in the United States. Results show differences in smartphone dependence and use based on race, age, income, and education. Minority group members, younger, lower income, and less educated users are more likely to be smartphone-dependent. Additionally, minorities and younger individuals use smartphones for more social activity, while White, younger, and higher income individuals use smartphones for more news/information activity. Findings support the usage gap hypothesis and suggest smartphones may act as both a bridge and a barrier for disadvantaged groups to overcome the digital divide.

This study examined the relationship between elite news media agendas and campaign agendas during the 2016 presidential primary season. Computer-assisted content analysis was used to assess issue emphasis within Twitter feeds of U.S. presidential primary candidates and their campaigns as well as the nation's top newspapers. The relationship between the overall Twitter agenda and that of newspapers, as well as the influence of front-runners Clinton, Cruz, Sanders, and Trump, was investigated using time series analysis. Aggregate and candidate-specific findings reveal some reciprocal relationships, but overall greater influence of newspapers on the Twitter agenda was detected. Findings suggest that Twitter has the potential to break free from and influence traditional media gatekeeping.

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Widespread use of computer‐mediated communication (CMC) for exchanging social support has raised questions about the support‐related implications of CMC. This study drew from the dual‐process theory of supportive message outcomes and examined the implications of CMC for support message processing and outcomes. We hypothesized that the reduced social cues in CMC would encourage greater elaboration on support message content and lead support messages to have a greater impact than in face‐to‐face interaction. The results of the experiment showed that, although the support message was held constant, participants in the CMC condition reported the strongest motivation to receive support, engaged in the greatest level of message elaboration, and experienced the most beneficial changes in worry and uncertainty discrepancy.

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