Black Audiences’ Identity-Focused Social Media Use, Group Vitality, and Consideration of Collective Action

Abstract

Black individuals use social media at higher rates than their racial counterparts, and these relationships often promote favorable group-based outcomes. However, quantitative examinations of these relationships are lacking. Using a cross-sectional U.S. Black adult sample ( N = 295) and applying social identity gratifications, the present work examines individuals’ social media use, racial adherence, perceptions of group vitality, and motivations toward collective action. Results suggest that racial adherence positively mediates the relationship between identity-focused social media use and perceptions of group vitality. Moreover, this relationship is positively related to individuals’ motivations to engage in collective action on behalf of Black communities.

Mapping Media Developments and Issues: Topics, Clusters, and Content of JMCQ Articles on Communication Technology/Media Channels, 1935–2017

“…Use of social media in China for political expression and information affects civic engagement (Guo & Chen, 2022), and Chinese government and public user framing on the major social medium Weibo diverge in content and cohesion (Zhao & Wang, 2023). Identity-focused use social media by US Blacks can foster motivations to participate in Black community collective action (Stamps, 2022). There was considerable differential Twitter activism through #BlackLivesMatter and #BlackTransLivesMatter (Dunklin & Jennings, 2022); and Twitter users for Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives movements applied identification strategies to build public relationships (Edrington, 2022).…”

Anti‐Blackness and psychological stress: The application of critical race psychology and minority stress theory among Black communities

“…Quantitative applications often limit how variables are interrogated, presenting methodological limitations. However, improvements in quantitative application, including investigations focused on diverse populations, distinct theories, and culturally focused outcomes, have increased (Graham et al., 2016; Stamps, 2022). In line with this rationale, I examine Black individuals’ experience with anti‐Blackness, stigma awareness, and psychological stress and apply tenets of CRP and minority stress theory.…”