Network Characteristics Matter in Politics on Facebook: Evidence From a U.S. National Survey

• In Event: Elites, Technology, and Politics

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the intensity of Facebook use and political participation, using a national representative survey conducted in the U.S. Furthermore, it investigates how network characteristics mediate the impact of Facebook use. The results indicate that individual use of Facebook is positively associated with engagement in various political activities. This relationship is mediated by network heterogeneity and the proportion of strong ties in one’s Facebook network. Implications are discussed in terms of the influence of social media sue on participatory and deliberative democracy.

Authors

• Yanqin Lu, Indiana U

• Jae Kook Lee, Indiana U

• Eunyi Kim, Incheon National U