Glocalization and Networked Individualism: Mixed Findings From a Low-Income Neighborhood Text Intervention on Health and Cohesion

• In Event: Social Ties, Social Networks, and Social Media

Abstract

Glocalization research demonstrates that community Internet platforms enhance local ties in low-income neighborhoods. As a test of this phenomenon in mobile contexts a neighborhood texting platform for improving health and neighborhood cohesion was employed in New York City public housing. Results of a 3-month field experiment revealed that participants in the intervention reported better health but worse neighborhood cohesion than those in the control condition. Exploration of mechanisms through qualitative analysis of texts and follow-up interviews indicates that participation increased interpersonal ties, but not ties to the neighborhood. Findings broaden the concept of glocalization and demonstrate support for a theory of networked individualism, which argues that digital groups are really a compilation of overlapping interpersonal ties. Secondary findings lend support for multiplexity theory and technology maintenance.

Author

• Amy L Gonzales, Indiana U