Disadvantaged Minorities’ Use of the Internet to Expand Their Social Networks

Abstract

An essential argument of the social diversification hypothesis is that disadvantaged groups use the Internet rather than face-to-face communication to broaden social networks, whereas advantaged groups use the Internet to reinforce existing network ties. Previous research in this area has not accounted for both online and off-line communication, has only been examined with cross-sectional data, and has primarily been studied in Israel. To address these gaps with a U.S. data set, 2,669 conversations were analyzed over 6-day periods using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Indeed, unlike participants from racially or educationally advantaged groups, participants who were from a racially marginalized group or lacked college training were more likely to broaden social networks online rather than face-to-face with interracial and weak tie exchanges. This proof of concept of social diversification theory across cultures is the first to use real-time, within-person measures of both race and tie strength.

Somewhat Separate and Unequal: Digital Divides, Social Networking Sites, and Capital-Enhancing Activities

“…Micheli (2016) indicated that low-income high-school students in Italy were more likely to engage in "horizontal" communicative and relational activities on SNSs with peers, while upper class youth were more concerned with "vertical" CE activities related to parental socialization. However, Gonzales (2017) found that racially or educationally disadvantaged individuals reported more online network expansion rather than maintenance. Such new, bridging, ties provide the greatest opportunities for reducing inequalities.…”

“…The SNS divide in Armenia has implications for reducing opportunities for the bridging type of social capital development, which provides the greatest opportunities for reducing inequalities (Gonzales, 2017). As Liewrouw (2001) argues, the generation, circulation, and use of information in a society can create different information environments through fragmentation, with negative effects (Dahlberg, 2007).…”

Efforts large and small speed science reform

“…Social media allow highthroughput networking and exploration of careers, which benefits trainees who may otherwise lack access to professional development (8) …”

Journal editors should not divide scientists

“…Social media serve an important role in the movement toward increased equity, diversity, and inclusion within STEM because it provides a widely available, readily accessible platform for many to use easily. Social media allow highthroughput networking and exploration of careers, which benefits trainees who may otherwise lack access to professional development (8). Although not free from the bias and prejudice inherent in society, social media can connect diverse groups, enable rapid information exchange, and mobilize like-minded communities.…”