Rhizome Experiment, Fall 2015

Social Media Use and Political Participation

The internet has the ability to spread a social contagion among other users and create a form of nationwide interconnectedness. It has been proven that people who have more exposure to news media have an increased probability of being both civically and politically involved. According to Nature’s, “A 61-million-person experiment in social influence and political mobilization”, messages on individuals' Facebooks could have a significant influence on their opinions towards voting and political campaigns (par. 3). Although news articles circulating Facebook timelines or twitter feeds can be effective in relaying information, close friends and people with real- world ties tend to be significantly more influential than "casual online acquaintances" (Journalist's par. 2).

 With the obsession and engagement in social media, social networking sites have provided the opportunity for group polarization. After group discussion, the individual's thoughts tend to intensify compared to what they were prior to conversation. For example, someone who initially thought racism is bad, may have their opinions drastically strengthened after talking with others who also agree on the following topic. We can see group polarization through the development of Black Twitter. 

In regards to politcal protest activities, such as marches, riots, boycotts, or petitions, studies have shown that social media does play a role in citizens' level of participation (Journalists par. 1). Social media is highly influential to developing individual's ideologies of power. With repetitive exposure, people can form implicit attitudes which affect their behavior online and in reality. Social media has the power in persuading people to participate online, in society or at least help spread an understanding of public affairs. 



Sources:

"How Does Social Media Use Influence Political Participation and Civic Engagement? A Meta-analysis- Journalist's Resource." Journalists Resource. 18 Oct. 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. 
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v489/n7415/full/nature11421.html

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