The Revolution Will be Networked

Abstract

Social networking is a phenomenon of interest to many scholars. While most of the recent research on social networking sites has focused on user characteristics, very few studies have examined their roles in engaging people in the democratic process. This paper relies on a telephone survey of Southwest residents to examine the extent to which reliance on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube has engaged citizens in civic and political activities. More specifically, this study looks at the extent to which social networking sites influence political attitudes and democratic participation after controlling for demographic variables and the role of interpersonal political discussion in stimulating citizen participation. The findings indicate that reliance on social networking sites is significantly related to increased civic participation, but not political participation. Interpersonal discussion fosters both civic participation and political activity. Implications of the results for democratic governance will be discussed.

Social media self-efficacy and information evaluation online

“…This corresponds with research on the relationship between online social network use and social trust and civic engagement. While associations are generally small, social network use tends to positively correspond with indicators of social capital and civic engagement (Gil de Zuniga, Jung, & Valenzuela, 2012;Valenzuela, Park, & Kee, 2009;Zhang, Johnson, Seltzer, & Bichard, 2010), suggesting that those who use social media more frequently are perhaps more socially connected and enjoy participating in social activities both on and offline. This social nature, then, may lead them to seek out others' opinions when evaluating information online.…”

Bridging Social Capital on Facebook as a Platform: A Case Study of Malaysian College Students

“…But bridging social capital is more inclusive and involves ties between more heterogeneous networks of relationships. The first one provides emotional support, but the second one usually contributes to the social and political interaction (Zhang et al, 2009). Furthermore, bridging social capital arises from the connections between diverse networks.…”

“…For example, it enables members to benefit information through weak and latent ties and the site itself offers a mechanism for joining discussion groups and announcing and social events. Howere the weak ties will provide additional information and opportunities (Donath & boyd, 2004;Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe, 2007;Zhang et al, 2009).…”

The social media participation framework : studying the effects of social media on nonprofit communities

“…There is some evidence available to show that this divide is reducing, levering political engagement with an increased participation of women and younger people (Holt, Shehata & Stromback, 2013;Schuster, 2013 Tomai et al, 2010;Valenzuela, Park & Kee, 2009;Vergeer, 2009). For instance, there is some evidence for the idea that the use of Social media increases social capital for political participation (Zhang, Johnson, Seltzer & Bichard, 2010). As the participation research field is much broader than citizen participation, more research should be carried out with regard to political parties, their members and elections.…”

“…Furthermore, in the cases of Obama, Dean and Royal, all of them thoroughly thought about both choice of and strategy for using various social media for different purposes and target groups (Christakis & Fowler, 2009;Citron, 2010;Greengard, 2009;Lilleker, Pack & Jackson, 2010;Montero, 2009;Talbot, 2008;Ren & Meister, 2010;Zhang, Johnson, Seltzer & Bichard, 2010). The combination of our earlier studies and the experiences of Obama, Dean and Royal make a strong case for us to include social media choice aspects in the conceptual framework.…”